Callicarpa erioclona is a plant native to the Philippines. This might be the plant that I received when ordering materials. Hopefully I can learn enough to ID my plants soon. Common in Luzon, Mindoro, Layete, Negros and Mindanao.
Recent information
When looking at the erioclona it seems to me the plant has a fairly smooth leaf with very little jagged edging. The leaf should show a glossy upper leaf portion that also appears smooth. Based on this I dont believe my plants are this species so I will replace the images to now confuse people.
Plants sold as.. in the Philippines
Callicarpa americana is often sold by plant hunters in the Philippines. Unfortunately it is doubtful that is the correct plant. The Philippines has many varieties of Callicarpa but americana is not assumed to be one of them. Basically, just another marketing scam that hunters use to sell a plant. Maybe scam is a harsh way to phrase it as it could be from just a lack of knowledge that the hunters possess. They label it americana to give it a name in the hopes they can sell it to any buyer that, like me, just is not aware of what they offer. While I am not ready to say the plants I received are NOT americana, it definitely warrants a thorough investigation. That plant is just not known to exist in the Philippines. Another unfortunate mystery, but I like mysteries.
If trying for fruit it requires cross polination in order to produce.
The leaves are used to make a fish poison.
Callicarpa erioclona specifics
- Core Identification & Taxonomy
- Scientific Name: Callicarpa erioclona
- Common Name: Tubang dalag
- Family: Lamiaceae
- Varietals:
- Habitat/Range: Vietnam, Borneo, Java, Philippines, New Guinea and Sulawesi
- Morphology & Characteristics
- Growth Habit: A shrub that can grow to 2m in height
- Leaves: Oblong to ovate. Edges seem mostly smooth compared to many other Callicarpa. Shiny
- Flowers: Light minute pale to whitish or pink to white
- Fruit/Seed: Small purple fruit edible when ripe, can be grown from seed. Grows in tight clusters.
- Stem/Bark: Twigs are covered in dirty brown hairs
- Growth: Fast
- Bonsai Notes
- Sun Exposure: Sun to light shade
- Water Use: Consistent moisture, do not allow to dry out.
- Soil Mix: Limestone (anapog), Akadama, Pumice, Lava Rock
- Fertilizing: fertilizer every 4 weeks (spring through autumn). Phosphorus and potassium.
- Styling and Maintenance
- Pruning: Regular Spring pruning is essential after flowers. Pinching is necessary
- Defoliation:
- Wiring:
Gallery images
Firstly, we are uploading pictures of our plants to show the parts of a plant that may help in identification. Secondly, we only have so many plants and my photography skills are not actually skillful. Finally, if it would help to see another angle or view, send us a message and we will attempt to get the right picture perspective.
