Clerodendrum indicum aka Turk's Turbin

Clerodendrum indicum is a shrub in the mint family, Lamiaceae. People call it tube flower, Turk's turban, and Bhangri. It is native to the Indian subcontinent, southern China, and Sumatra. Kew places it in the tropics, where dry seasons occur. It grows by roads and on open mountain slopes. These wild sites lie at 656–4,593 feet [200–1,400 metres]. People also grow it in gardens outside its native range.

This shrub lives for years and sheds only some leaves. Its stems may stay soft, but most turn woody. The listed garden height is about 5 feet [1.5 metres]. The fuller account gives a top height near 10 feet [3 metres]. At that size, it may form a small tree. Its hollow stems grow straight or arch, with few branches. Strong shoots, called suckers, rise from its rootstock. The rootstock also sends out spreading stems called stolons. These stems help the plant make new growth nearby.

Gardeners grow it for its looks and for use as medicine. The source shows fruit in red calyces after the flowers fade. Bees, butterflies, and moths visit and help pollinate the flowers. The supplied species account does not state which months it blooms. It gives no full account of the leaves or flowers. Its spread by seed and stolons matters in gardens. Plants have escaped gardens and taken hold beyond their native range. A 2014 review did not see a major threat to native plants. It still urged checks, as the plant grows and spreads fast.

It grows best in moist tropical or subtropical climates. It has little tolerance of frost. Give it a site with fair to full sun. It grows in plain garden soil but prefers rich ground. Keep the soil moist, but let excess water drain away. Grow new plants from seeds, root cuttings, or split suckers. Seeds can sprout at uneven rates. They take 20–60 days to sprout at 20°C. Suckers split with ease while the plant is dormant.

People cook the leaves and eat them as greens. In traditional medicine, people use the leaves as a bitter tonic. Records also note their use for worms and breathing complaints. These reports of past use do not prove a benefit. Useful Tropical Plants lists no known hazards for this species. That does not mean it is safe for people or pets.