CLERODENDRUM INDICUM

This is one of the tall and straight growing Clerodendrums. From the Verbenaceae Family, it is known by its common names Tube Flower or Skyrocket.

Interestingly, the few Clerodendrums e.g. C. calamitosum, that I know with white flowers typically have showy red hard sepals that remain after the flowers are shed. Unfortunately, this one does not have fragrant flowers. A link is attached below:

http://www.floridata.com/ref/c/cler_ind.cfm

CLERODENDRUM SPECIES

My intuitive colleagues is probably right. This is like a dowdy or ugly stepsister version of the Clerodendrum myricoides 'Ugandense' (common name: Butterfly Bush; Family: Verbenaceae) which I totally love. Can you imagine it?

Anyway, the flower of this simple, ordinary looking plant is just pure white but it seems like a highly fertile plant with all the green berries on it.

CLERODENDRUM MYRICOIDES 'UGANDENSE'

I love the flowers of this plant because they are so uniquely designed. From afar, it does not look attractive because of its subdued leaf and flower colours.

On close inspection, the flowers are just so pretty. No wonder it is called the Butterfly Bush. So everytime I see the flowers, I am reminded of the butterfly lovers.

Anyway, the photos were taken on 25 Feb 10 at the substation area near the Pasir Panjang Road entrance of HortPark. To keep this plant looking good, it has to be frequently pruned to ensure compact growth.

CLERODENDRUM MYRICOIDES 'UGADENSE'

When not in bloom, this plant may not seem interesting.

But once the flowers are produced, it does not fail to attract my attention with its beautifully crafted bluish-white flowers that resemble a small butterfly. Hence, it is commonly known as the Butterfly Bush.

Even this day-flying moth is drawn to the flowers, as shown by this photo taken on 14 Jan 10.