Notice

Colin Mills, compiler of the Hortus Camdenensis, died in late November 2012 after a short illness. As he always considered the Hortus his legacy, it is his family's intention to keep the site running in perpetuity. It will not, however, be updated in the near future.

Clerodendrum squamatum Vahl.

Frost tender shrub with oval leaves, entire or toothed, and terminal panicles, to 35cm, of fragrant, bright scarlet flowers.  To 2.5m.  [RHSD, Hortus].

Horticultural & Botanical History

‘Native of China and Japan. Introduced by Sir Joseph Banks in 1790.  In the Lambertian Herbarium there are several spontaneous samples from Japan.  Cultivated in the hothouse of the Nursery of Messrs. Colvill in the King’s Road, where the drawing was made. […] It is an extremely ornamental plant.’ [BR f.649/1822].

‘The large panicles of bright scarlet flowers [of Clerodendron squamatum] and the handsome foliage constitute it one of the most striking and attractive of summer-flowering plants’.  [Gard. Chron. 1851].  Introduced as C. japonicum in 1823.  [JD].  LBC no.796/1823.

History at Camden Park

Only listed in the 1845 and 1850 catalogues. Macarthur requested Clerodendron kaempferi from Kew Gardens on 1st February, 1849.  [MP A2933-1, p.177].

Notes

Some authors consider Clerodendron squamatum Vahl. to be synonymous with C. speciosissimum Paxt. which see.  Also known as Clerodendron.

Published Feb 15, 2010 - 04:27 PM | Last updated Feb 15, 2010 - 04:35 PM

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Figured is a caudate leaf and terminal panicle of red flowers. Botanical Register f.649, 1822.

Clerodendrum squamatum Vahl. | BR f.649/1822 | BHL

Family Verbenaceae
Category
Region of origin

China, Japan
Synonyms
  • Clerodendrum japonicum Sweet
  • Clerodendrum kaempferi Fisch. ex Morr.
  • Volkameria kaempferi Willd.
Common Name
Name in the Camden Park Record

Clerodendrum squamatum 
Confidence level high