Clerodendron quadriloculare

Ask the Expert: Can you please help us identify this tree /flower
This tree is seen quite a bit in South Florida. This one is in Corol Gables. Dave Giardina

Plant Expert Reply:

What an interesting and beautiful plant. I must say this one stumped me. It looked familiar, yet I had trouble identifying it. So, I passed it along to the wonderful folks at the Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden in Coral Gables (Miami), Florida. Martha Kent, their staff Horticulturist, told me the plant is a Clerodendron quadriloculare (sometimes referred to as Starburst, Shooting Star, Glorybower). Although quite a pretty plant, the root suckers and they can eat up quite a bit of real estate. As a result for most South Floridians the plant has quickly lost its appeal.

At maturity this fast growing plant will be over 10 feet in height. It thrives in fgull sun or part shade when given plenty of water. It usually blooms January through February and has edible berries.

To combat its invasive nature, many people use it as a potted plant

A special thanks to Martha for the identification. Anyone in the Coral Gables area should drop by the Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden and say hi to Martha.

This plant identification was sponsored by Flower Shop Network’s Miami florists