Thursday, September 13, 2007

Clerondendrum paniculatum ( Pagoda Flower)


This shrubbery I admire for its large compact scarlet red flowers which branches horizontally forming tiers like a pagoda. Locally it is referred to as pepanggil or just panggil. It is native to Japan and China ( East Tropical Asia). Being a clerondendrum genus, it likes very sunny position, deep moist and fertile saoil. It can reach to a height of 2.5 m. Grown in many kampung gardens in the Malaysian country side, it is believed to thwart people of evil. "An infusion of the plant is used for relieving stomach ache in Peninsular Malaysia" ( Ref: Paul P.K. Chai (1984) Some ornamental and Roadside Plants of Sarawak.)

For my landscaping projects I use it as an accent in a mixed border( especially for small shrubs planting) or in masses( as in beds). This species flowers continuously throughout the year. It can be propagated from cuttings and root suckers.
Pruning is recommended for regenerating growth and to promote branching.

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