What is the name of the very fragrant tree in the rock garden?

Answer

The fragrant mystery tree in the rock garden is Clerodendrum trichotomum, commonly called harlequin glorybower tree.

This Japanese native produces tubular, fragrant, white flowers in long-peduncled cymes that bloom in the upper leaf axils from late summer into fall. Flowers are followed by small bright blue fruits, each subtended by a fleshy red calyx. Opposite, toothed to entire, ovate, dark green leaves (5-8 inches long) produce no fall color. When bruised, the leaves produce a unique aroma reminiscent of peanut butter; peanut butter tree is a sometimes-used common name for this plant. Harlequin glorybower is a more frequently used common name. Clerodendrum comes from the Greek words klero (fate) and dendron (tree), hence the infrequently used common name, fate tree.

 

For tips on a variety of gardening topics, see our Plant Information Guides.
- Courtesy of NYBG Plant Information Service

 

 

Topics

  • Last Updated Mar 16, 2021
  • Views 144
  • Answered By Anita Finkle

FAQ Actions

Was this helpful? 0 0

Ask a plant expert

Send us an email or use the question form below.

Submit a question

Before submitting your question, try searching our Plant and Gardening FAQ page and Help Guides. Still need help? Fill out the form below and a plant expert will answer your individual plant and gardening questions. We will respond to questions in the order we receive them.

Your Question
Your Info
Fields marked with * are required.