Spring awakens at Chenshan Botanical Garden

LMS
chinadaily.com.cn| Updated: February 2, 2015

Clerodendrum quadriloculare in full blossom [Photo/chinadaily.com.cn]

Clerodendrum quadriloculare in full blossom [Photo/chinadaily.com.cn]

Despite the cold weather, spring is in the air in the Shanghai Chenshan Botanical Garden greenhouse. Alongside vigorous asparagus, blooming orchids and banana-shaped ravenala, the clerodendrum quadriloculare is a wonder to see.

Clerodendrum quadriloculare, a kind of Oxybaphus, is an evergreen shrub within the Vervain family. The plant originates from the Philippines and the some Pacific Islands and can be found scattered around some cities in China. Its sprout is square and takes a fuchsia blaze, with Prunus flowers in loose cymes; while its five-petaled flowers sparkle white and make for a dazzling scene on gloomy days.

Its florescence lasts for half a year which makes it a pleasant view. It can also be used as medicine or for nutrition and health care.