The perennial plant called Bleeding heart glorybower has scientific name Clerodendrum thomsoniae and originates from the tropical areas of Nigeria and Cameroon in West Africa. This woody vine can reach 15 feet tall and has opposite, glossy dark green leaves. It gets its common name from the unique and beautiful flowers which look like bleeding hearts with the white petals surrounding a contrasting bright red tube coming out of the white calyx base. These flowers are arranged in clusters at the ends of branches and add elegance to gardens where it is commonly planted as an ornamental. The small round berries change from green to black when ripe but are mostly decorative and not edible. Cultural associations with love and romance exist for this plant in some places. It prefers well-drained soil and can take full sun in cooler areas but does well in partial shade and is relatively easy to grow overall. Typical size is 6 to 15 feet tall depending on conditions. It belongs to the Lamiaceae family of plants.
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