PAGODA FLOWER (Clerodendrum Paniculatum)
This 3 m high
plant is slightly branched and woody based. Its dark, shiny, 3-lobed leaves
have an unpleasant smell, while the characteristic conical flower head
comprises numerous small red flowers. Although these appear scentless, they are
very attractive to the spectacular Birdwing butterfly. In Taiwan, the roots are
used to treat gonorrhea and the plant to treat skin diseases. In Malaysia, the leaves are pounded and
applied to a distended stomach or used as a purgative.