Clerodendrum paniculatum
23 March
Clerodendrum paniculatum
The Temple or Pagoda flower is native to Indonesia, Sri Lanka, Malaysia and India. It acquired its common name by the shape of the flower clusters that resemble pagodas and temples from Asia. Clerodendrum paniculatum has two color forms, salmon pink and light yellow. Our founder Dan Lutkenhouse found this plant on one of his excursions to Malaysia and introduced it to Hawaii.
Temple flower is used medicinally in native practices. It has anti-inflammatory, anti-nociceptive (pain reliever), anti-oxidant, anti-diarrheal properties. It is used for insect bites, snake bites and burns. It is said to be a memory enhancer and native populations believe it has magical powers to attract spirits.
The temple flower can be found across from the rain shelter on the boardwalk.