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.
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
- Flowers: LIght minute pale to whitish blue or pink to white
- Fruit/Seed: Small purple fruit edible when ripe, can be grown from seed.
- Stem/Bark: Twigs are voered 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, view us a message and we will attempt to get the right picture perspective.
