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| Clerodendrum incisum |
If you're into chasing small balls around for hours and trying to get them into holes from various angles and distances, you might even think it looks like a club of some sort. What I'd like to know is where do teeth enter the picture? As in "dendrum" and "incisum?" I'll leave it up to you to figure that one out.
Although most sites I've searched recommend this plant for more southern zones, it has tripled in size since I planted it here in the spring of 2012. The leaves fall off when winter arrives and the temps drop, but it slowly emerges from dormancy around the beginning of May and continues to bloom regularly until the first touch of frost. It's one of those plants that shines in the evening when the moon rises above the horizon.
I missed seeing this month's full moon (July 22) because....
It's been raining again!
Sorry for the rain! We've been having the nice weather for a change!
ReplyDeleteI saw the full moon yesterday - or was it a supermoon actually? - and it was very clear and shining. I was quite surprised at the view. Thanks for the earthsky link, it looks like a very interesting website.
ReplyDeleteAs to your question what name of the flower we would chose, for me it would definitely be the morning kiss representing something sweet and pleasant unlike the witch's tongue, which might leave rude words and curses in its wake. Moreover, it looks so humble, doesn't it, which supports my choice. :)
Karen, I don't mind the rain too much. At least I don't have to constantly drag the hose around to keep things alive. The soil here is mostly sand so it drains quickly. Give me a week without rain in the summer, and I'll start praying for it again.
ReplyDeletePetra, it stopped raining long enough just before I went to bed that I was able to step outside for a few minutes. I did catch a brief glimpse of the moon when the clouds parted for a moment. It was glorious! I agree with you about the morning kiss name, although I'd probably have to gargle with some mouthwash before puckering up for my sweetie. I'm the morning hostess with halitosis!
Dear Walk2write,
ReplyDeletea plant I don't know - curiosity arises instantly, I fetch my RHS Plant Execlopedia - and right: it isn't mentioned in the 8 species they speak of (I only know clerodendrum thomsoniae). Interesting: the whole family has also the name Verbenacea, but even under this heading I do not find yours).
Well - of course I would prefer Morning-Kiss, a Witches Tongue wouldn't come into my garden :-)
I think it is more the form than the scent? Here we melt in over 30°C - though, for a short time, I love that!
I had to laugh at you saying "More Southern Zones" I think of Florida as being as far south as one can get. LOL, I forget it is a long ways from North Florida to South Florida....
ReplyDeleteKisses anytime. Being tongue lashed... no thanks...:)
ReplyDeleteBritta, according to the site I linked to (caption under the first pic), this Clerodendrum is in the Lamiaceae family. I'm not sure where or why the two authorities differ. So far, the vote is unanimous for the Morning Kiss name.
ReplyDeleteSkeeter, I would guess that being close to a brick wall on the west side of the house provides this plant with some warmth in chilly weather--its own little micro-climate. You're right about the vast difference between North and South Florida, and it's not only about the climate.
TB, I figured that you would vote that way. So far, no votes for the witch's tongue. I wonder who came up with that name anyway?
I "googled" clerodendrum incisum. They do look musical note. I'd name them "moon kiss".
ReplyDeleteYou know there's a food product called devil's tongue, paste made from konjak( taro family) flour. They are very healthy , low calorie ingredient but I'm afraid who'd want to use that to hear the name?
Im going to say witches tounge. just to be contrary.
ReplyDeleteCosmos, I like your name even better! If the plant doesn't object, I'll tag it with that name:) I wonder if that devil's tongue food product has a bite to it from hot peppers?
ReplyDeleteClaude, thank you for keeping the vote from being a landslide victory for the morning kiss. I was beginning to think the witch's tongue didn't have a chance in Hades. You're probably remembering Samantha on Bewitched.
What odd names for that plant! Sorry to hear about your rain. It can be too much of a good thing. We are due for more soon.
ReplyDeleteI've always loved that Eurythmics song!
ReplyDeleteI think I like "witch's tongue" better. Less smelly?
Sarah, I don't mind the frequent showers too much, except that the outside chores keep getting pushed back. The weeds are growing faster than I can keep up with them.
ReplyDeleteHey, Dr. Kang! That song is one of those that once it's in your head, it's difficult to shake it loose, especially since it's been raining so much lately. As for the witch's tongue, good! Another vote for the unlikely candidate. And it probably is less stinky.
Well, I would definitely choose "Morning Kiss"! The image conjured up by a name like "Witch's Tongue"...well, I'm not even going to go there:)
ReplyDeleteSeems like all of the South is being inundated with rain this year.