Lolly Bush

The leaves may be drawn into a blunt tip, a prickle or a sharp tip. They are variable in shape, usually 4 to 15 cm long, and 2 to 6 cm wide. The young leaves are not as hairy as those of the related downy chance (Clerodendrum tomentosum). The generic term Clerodendrum is from the Greek, meaning 'lottery tree'. The term 'lottery' refers to an unsure possibility of a medicinal value from plants of this genus. The specific epithet floribundum refers to the abundance of flowers in showy heads. The fruit is a black drupe, growing on an enlarged red fleshy calyx. It appears glossy and succulent, giving rise to the common name 'lolly bush'. Although usually a small tree, it has been recorded at 30 metres tall with a stem diameter of 30 cm at Booyong Flora Reserve, in northern New South Wales. White fragrant flowers form in cymes between September and December.

There is some debate whether this plant is found in rainforests of the Illawarra. A.G.Floyd says it is found as far south as Batemans Bay and growing north to Cape York at the northernmost point of the continent, and then west through the Northern Territory and Western Australia. However, the Royal Botanic Gardens, Sydney say records in the far southeast may not be accurate.

Regeneration is from fresh seeds or cuttings. It is an easy plant to grow, although it requires plenty of water.