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Useful Tropical Plants

Clerodendrum indicum

(L.) Kuntze

Lamiaceae

+ Synonyms

Clerodendrum longicolle G.Mey.

Clerodendrum mite (L.) Vatke

Clerodendrum semiserratum Wall.

Clerodendrum siphonanthus R.Br.

Clerodendrum verticillatum Roxb. ex D.Don

Ovieda mitis L.

Ovieda verticillatum Roxb. ex D.Don

Siphonanthus angustifolius Willd.

Siphonanthus indicus L.

Common Name: Bhangri

Clerodendrum indicum
Flowering stem
Photograph by: Forest and Kim Starr
Creative Commons License
Clerodendrum indicum Clerodendrum indicum Clerodendrum indicum

General Information

Clerodendrum indicum is a semideciduous, perennial plant with stems that are sometimes herbaceous but more often become woody, with the plant adopting the habit of a shrub or a small trre. Growing from an aggressively suckering, stoloniferous rootstock, the plant can be up to 3 metres tall, the stems usually very straight or arching, mostly unbranched, hollow[
266
Title
Flora of China
Publication
 
Author
 
Website
http://flora.huh.harvard.edu/china/
Publisher
Missouri Botanical Garden Press; St. Louis.
Year
1994
ISBN
 
Description
An excellent, comprehensive resource in 25 volumes. In addition to the botanical information the flora also gives basic information on habitat and some uses. An on-line version is also available.
,
310
Title
Plant Resources of Southeast Asia
Publication
 
Author
 
Website
http://proseanet.org/
Publisher
 
Year
0
ISBN
 
Description
Lots of information on the uses of the plants of SE Asia.
].
The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as a medicine. It is grown for medicinal use in home gardens in southern China[
317
Title
Mansfeld's Database of Agricultural and Horticultural Plants
Publication
 
Author
 
Website
http://mansfeld.ipk-gatersleben.de/pls/htmldb_pgrc/f?p=185:3:4292127278597336
Publisher
 
Year
0
ISBN
 
Description
Terse details of a huge range of useful plants.
], and is often grown as an ornamental[
266
Title
Flora of China
Publication
 
Author
 
Website
http://flora.huh.harvard.edu/china/
Publisher
Missouri Botanical Garden Press; St. Louis.
Year
1994
ISBN
 
Description
An excellent, comprehensive resource in 25 volumes. In addition to the botanical information the flora also gives basic information on habitat and some uses. An on-line version is also available.
].

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

266
Title
Flora of China
Publication
 
Author
 
Website
http://flora.huh.harvard.edu/china/
Publisher
Missouri Botanical Garden Press; St. Louis.
Year
1994
ISBN
 
Description
An excellent, comprehensive resource in 25 volumes. In addition to the botanical information the flora also gives basic information on habitat and some uses. An on-line version is also available.

Range

E. Asia - southern China, India, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam, Malaysia, Indonesia.

Habitat

Roadsides and open places on mountain slopes; at elevations from 200 - 1,400 metres[
266
Title
Flora of China
Publication
 
Author
 
Website
http://flora.huh.harvard.edu/china/
Publisher
Missouri Botanical Garden Press; St. Louis.
Year
1994
ISBN
 
Description
An excellent, comprehensive resource in 25 volumes. In addition to the botanical information the flora also gives basic information on habitat and some uses. An on-line version is also available.
,
272
Title
Plants and People of Nepal
Publication
 
Author
Manandhar. N. P.
Publisher
Timber Press. Oregon.
Year
2002
ISBN
0-88192-527-6
Description
Excellent book, covering over 1,500 species of useful plants from Nepal together with information on the geography and peoples of Nepal. Good descriptions of the plants with terse notes on their uses.
].

Properties

Weed PotentialYes
Edibility Rating *  *
Medicinal Rating *  *  *
HabitSemi-deciduous Shrub
Height1.50 m
PollinatorsLepidoptera, Bees
Cultivation StatusCultivated, Ornamental, Wild

Cultivation Details

Clerodendrum indicum grows best in a moist tropical or subtropical climate and is not very tolerant of frost.
Succeeds in a moderately to very sunny position in ordinary garden soil[
710
Title
Tropical Flowering Plants. A Guide to Identification and Cultivation.
Publication
 
Author
Llamas K.A.
Publisher
Timber Press; Oregon.
Year
2003
ISBN
0-88192-585-3
Description
A terse guide for the gardener to almost 1,500 species of ornamental tropical plants with brief details on their cultivation and, usually, a small photograph of good quality.
]. Prefers a moist but well-drained fertile soil[
974
Title
Encyclopedia of Tropical Plants - Identification and Cultivation of over 3,000 Tropical Plants
Publication
 
Author
Ahmed Fayaz
Publisher
Firefly Books Ltd.; New Zealand
Year
2011
ISBN
978-1-55407-489
Description
A good photograph and terse but detailed information for over 3,000 species of tropical plants. An excellent reference.
].
The plant is commonly grown as an ornamental and easily escapes cultivation through its stolons and seeds. It has become naturalized outside its native range but is not currently (2014) viewed as a significant threat to native flora. Monitoring and future reassessment is recommended, considering its now widespread distribution beyond its native range, its rapid growth rate, and its ability to reproduce both by seed and vegetatively[
310
Title
Plant Resources of Southeast Asia
Publication
 
Author
 
Website
http://proseanet.org/
Publisher
 
Year
0
ISBN
 
Description
Lots of information on the uses of the plants of SE Asia.
,
710
Title
Tropical Flowering Plants. A Guide to Identification and Cultivation.
Publication
 
Author
Llamas K.A.
Publisher
Timber Press; Oregon.
Year
2003
ISBN
0-88192-585-3
Description
A terse guide for the gardener to almost 1,500 species of ornamental tropical plants with brief details on their cultivation and, usually, a small photograph of good quality.
,
1093
Title
Invasive Species Compendium
Publication
 
Author
 
Website
http://www.cabi.org
Publisher
 
Year
0
ISBN
 
Description
An immense resource - in depth information on over 900 species of invasive plants (it also has information on animals, fungi etc).
].
Flowers are produced on the current seasons growth and so, to encourage flowering, any pruning is best carried out when the plant is dormant[
200
Title
The New RHS Dictionary of Gardening. 1992.
Publication
 
Author
Huxley. A.
Publisher
MacMillan Press
Year
1992
ISBN
0-333-47494-5
Description
Excellent and very comprehensive, though it contains a number of silly mistakes. Readable yet also very detailed.
].

Edible Uses

Leaves - cooked and eaten as a potherb[
272
Title
Plants and People of Nepal
Publication
 
Author
Manandhar. N. P.
Publisher
Timber Press. Oregon.
Year
2002
ISBN
0-88192-527-6
Description
Excellent book, covering over 1,500 species of useful plants from Nepal together with information on the geography and peoples of Nepal. Good descriptions of the plants with terse notes on their uses.
]. The leaves of species in this genus usually have a bitter flavour and are often eaten at least as much for their tonic affect upon the digestive system as for any appeal to the taste buds[
K
Title
Plants for a Future
Author
Ken Fern
Description
Notes from observations, tasting etc at Plants For A Future and on field trips.
].

Medicinal

According to Ayurveda, Bhangri is a good anti inflammatory agent, helps in the healing of wounds, and improves circulation of blood in the body. It is also helpful in improving the digestive activities of the body. It acts on the respiratory system, expelling excessive mucus in the tract and bringing relief from coughs, colds and asthmatic symptoms. It opens the body pores and increases sweating in the body[
1744
Title
Clerodendrum indicum (L.) Kuntze- A folk Medicine for skin ailment (Agiya) from Bhar aborigine of Tikri Reserve Fore
Publication
Journal of Non-Timber Forest Products 23 (4), 221-223, 2016
Author
Singh V. et al
Publisher
 
Year
2016
ISBN
 
Description
 
].

The leaves are used as a bitter tonic and vermifuge[
218
Title
Medicinal Plants of China
Publication
 
Author
Duke. J. A. and Ayensu. E. S.
Publisher
Reference Publications, Inc.
Year
1985
ISBN
0-917256-20-4
Description
Details of over 1,200 medicinal plants of China and brief details of their uses. Often includes an analysis, or at least a list of constituents. Heavy going if you are not into the subject.
,
310
Title
Plant Resources of Southeast Asia
Publication
 
Author
 
Website
http://proseanet.org/
Publisher
 
Year
0
ISBN
 
Description
Lots of information on the uses of the plants of SE Asia.
]. Mention is made of the leaves being employed as a substitute for opium[
310
Title
Plant Resources of Southeast Asia
Publication
 
Author
 
Website
http://proseanet.org/
Publisher
 
Year
0
ISBN
 
Description
Lots of information on the uses of the plants of SE Asia.
]. The juice of the leaves mixed with ghee and jaggery is said to be useful in the treatment of cough, bronchitis, asthma and other respiratory related problems[
1744
Title
Clerodendrum indicum (L.) Kuntze- A folk Medicine for skin ailment (Agiya) from Bhar aborigine of Tikri Reserve Fore
Publication
Journal of Non-Timber Forest Products 23 (4), 221-223, 2016
Author
Singh V. et al
Publisher
 
Year
2016
ISBN
 
Description
 
]. The dried leaves are smoked like cigarettes to relieve asthma[
218
Title
Medicinal Plants of China
Publication
 
Author
Duke. J. A. and Ayensu. E. S.
Publisher
Reference Publications, Inc.
Year
1985
ISBN
0-917256-20-4
Description
Details of over 1,200 medicinal plants of China and brief details of their uses. Often includes an analysis, or at least a list of constituents. Heavy going if you are not into the subject.
,
310
Title
Plant Resources of Southeast Asia
Publication
 
Author
 
Website
http://proseanet.org/
Publisher
 
Year
0
ISBN
 
Description
Lots of information on the uses of the plants of SE Asia.
] The leaf paste is used in the treatment of diabetes[
1744
Title
Clerodendrum indicum (L.) Kuntze- A folk Medicine for skin ailment (Agiya) from Bhar aborigine of Tikri Reserve Fore
Publication
Journal of Non-Timber Forest Products 23 (4), 221-223, 2016
Author
Singh V. et al
Publisher
 
Year
2016
ISBN
 
Description
 
].
The paste from the leaves is a highly effective healing and antiinflammatory agent when applied to wounds. It can also treat swollen lymph nodes[
1744
Title
Clerodendrum indicum (L.) Kuntze- A folk Medicine for skin ailment (Agiya) from Bhar aborigine of Tikri Reserve Fore
Publication
Journal of Non-Timber Forest Products 23 (4), 221-223, 2016
Author
Singh V. et al
Publisher
 
Year
2016
ISBN
 
Description
 
].

The stem decoction, combined with black pepper in the ratio 3:2, is used as an antidote to snake bite[
1744
Title
Clerodendrum indicum (L.) Kuntze- A folk Medicine for skin ailment (Agiya) from Bhar aborigine of Tikri Reserve Fore
Publication
Journal of Non-Timber Forest Products 23 (4), 221-223, 2016
Author
Singh V. et al
Publisher
 
Year
2016
ISBN
 
Description
 
].

The juice of the tender parts of the plant is used as an external application for skin complaints, eruptions on the feet etc[
272
Title
Plants and People of Nepal
Publication
 
Author
Manandhar. N. P.
Publisher
Timber Press. Oregon.
Year
2002
ISBN
0-88192-527-6
Description
Excellent book, covering over 1,500 species of useful plants from Nepal together with information on the geography and peoples of Nepal. Good descriptions of the plants with terse notes on their uses.
,
310
Title
Plant Resources of Southeast Asia
Publication
 
Author
 
Website
http://proseanet.org/
Publisher
 
Year
0
ISBN
 
Description
Lots of information on the uses of the plants of SE Asia.
,
1744
Title
Clerodendrum indicum (L.) Kuntze- A folk Medicine for skin ailment (Agiya) from Bhar aborigine of Tikri Reserve Fore
Publication
Journal of Non-Timber Forest Products 23 (4), 221-223, 2016
Author
Singh V. et al
Publisher
 
Year
2016
ISBN
 
Description
 
].

The pounded root, or the juice thereof, combined with ginger, is considered useful in the treatment of asthma, coughs and other pulmonary complaints as well as scrofulous affections[
272
Title
Plants and People of Nepal
Publication
 
Author
Manandhar. N. P.
Publisher
Timber Press. Oregon.
Year
2002
ISBN
0-88192-527-6
Description
Excellent book, covering over 1,500 species of useful plants from Nepal together with information on the geography and peoples of Nepal. Good descriptions of the plants with terse notes on their uses.
,
310
Title
Plant Resources of Southeast Asia
Publication
 
Author
 
Website
http://proseanet.org/
Publisher
 
Year
0
ISBN
 
Description
Lots of information on the uses of the plants of SE Asia.
].

The juice of the bark, taken daily for around 1 month, is used for treating malnutrition[
272
Title
Plants and People of Nepal
Publication
 
Author
Manandhar. N. P.
Publisher
Timber Press. Oregon.
Year
2002
ISBN
0-88192-527-6
Description
Excellent book, covering over 1,500 species of useful plants from Nepal together with information on the geography and peoples of Nepal. Good descriptions of the plants with terse notes on their uses.
].

A resin extracted from the plant is used in the treatment of syphilitic rheumatism[
218
Title
Medicinal Plants of China
Publication
 
Author
Duke. J. A. and Ayensu. E. S.
Publisher
Reference Publications, Inc.
Year
1985
ISBN
0-917256-20-4
Description
Details of over 1,200 medicinal plants of China and brief details of their uses. Often includes an analysis, or at least a list of constituents. Heavy going if you are not into the subject.
,
310
Title
Plant Resources of Southeast Asia
Publication
 
Author
 
Website
http://proseanet.org/
Publisher
 
Year
0
ISBN
 
Description
Lots of information on the uses of the plants of SE Asia.
].

The leaves contain flavonoids, scutellarein, hispidulin and sterol[
1744
Title
Clerodendrum indicum (L.) Kuntze- A folk Medicine for skin ailment (Agiya) from Bhar aborigine of Tikri Reserve Fore
Publication
Journal of Non-Timber Forest Products 23 (4), 221-223, 2016
Author
Singh V. et al
Publisher
 
Year
2016
ISBN
 
Description
 
].
The stem contains resin, cholesterol and beta- sitosterol[
1744
Title
Clerodendrum indicum (L.) Kuntze- A folk Medicine for skin ailment (Agiya) from Bhar aborigine of Tikri Reserve Fore
Publication
Journal of Non-Timber Forest Products 23 (4), 221-223, 2016
Author
Singh V. et al
Publisher
 
Year
2016
ISBN
 
Description
 
].
The flowers contain hydroquinone, uncinatone and flavones pectolinarigenin and cirsimaritin.
The bark contains D-mannitol and sorbitol. The flavonoid ectolinarigenin has also been isolated from the root bark[
1744
Title
Clerodendrum indicum (L.) Kuntze- A folk Medicine for skin ailment (Agiya) from Bhar aborigine of Tikri Reserve Fore
Publication
Journal of Non-Timber Forest Products 23 (4), 221-223, 2016
Author
Singh V. et al
Publisher
 
Year
2016
ISBN
 
Description
 
]
The root contains phenolic glycosides and saponins. The saponins act as an antihistamine or anti-inflammatory agent and thus help prevent the hyper-sensititivity of the body towards external agents such as pollen that can have allergenic properties[
1744
Title
Clerodendrum indicum (L.) Kuntze- A folk Medicine for skin ailment (Agiya) from Bhar aborigine of Tikri Reserve Fore
Publication
Journal of Non-Timber Forest Products 23 (4), 221-223, 2016
Author
Singh V. et al
Publisher
 
Year
2016
ISBN
 
Description
 
].

Other Uses

None known

Propagation

Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe. Germination can be erratic but usually takes place within 20 - 60 days at 20°c[
164
Title
Growing from Seed. Volume 4.
Publication
 
Author
Bird. R. (Editor)
Publisher
Thompson and Morgan.
Year
1990
ISBN
-
Description
Very readable magazine with lots of information on propagation. A good article on Yuccas, one on Sagebrush (Artemesia spp) and another on Chaerophyllum bulbosum.
]. When large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on until large enough to plant out.
Root cuttings, 6 - 8cm long usually grow away well[
78
Title
Propagation of Trees, Shrubs and Conifers.
Publication
 
Author
Sheat. W. G.
Publisher
MacMillan and Co
Year
1948
ISBN
-
Description
A bit dated but a good book on propagation techniques with specific details for a wide range of plants.
].
Division of suckers in the dormant season. Very easy, they can be planted out direct into their permanent positions if required.
Cite as: Tropical Plants Database, Ken Fern. tropical.theferns.info. 2024-10-12. <tropical.theferns.info/viewtropical.php?id=Clerodendrum+indicum>

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