First, Callicarpa pedunculata is a plant native to the Philippines. Obivously that means it might be the plant that I received when ordering materials. Down the road, maybe I can learn enough to ID my plants soon.
Plants sold as.. in the Philippines
Thus, Callicarpa americana is often sold by plant hunters in the Philippines. Unfortunately, it is doubtful that is the correct plant. While the Philippines has many varieties of Callicarpa, 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. While 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 as that plant is just not known to exist in the Philippines. Another unfortunate mystery, but I like mysteries.
Callicarpa pedunculata
- Core Identification & Taxonomy
- Scientific Name: Callicarpa pedunculata
- Common Name: Beautyberry, Velvet-leaf
- Family: Lamiaceae
- Varietals:
- Habitat/Range: India, China, Philippines and New Guinea
- Morphology & Characteristics
- Growth Habit: A shrub that can grow to 3m in height
- Leaves: Some hairs may be noticed on the leaves they become spare as they age, small yellow glands on the underside. Naturally large ovate leaves
- Flowers: Pale lavendar flowers, bisexual
- Fruit/Seed: Small purple fruit edible when ripe, can be grown from seed.
- Stem/Bark: Stems covered in greyish yellow and wooly hairs
- Growth: moderate
- 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.
