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GENERAL
Origin
:
tropical
Vigour
:
normal growth
rate
Humidity
:
semi-arid, semi-
humid, very
humid
Propagation :
sowing and
pricking out,
cuttings
Maintenance :
high
CONDITIONS
Urban climate :
resistant
Dessication :
vulnerable
Stagnant water :
resistant
Irrigation
:
high
Salinity/ppm :
very high (8000
ppm)
Hardiness
:
0°C
SHAPE
Type
:
shrub
Height
:
1.5 m-9 m
Spread
:
1.5 m-3 m
Foliage
:
evergreen
FLOWER
Colour
:
white
Size
:
10 cm
Period
:
June - September
FRUIT
Type of fruit :
berry
Fruit size
:
0.5 cm
This sprawling and climbing shrub, commonly called Indian Privet, is native to India and is wide-
ly seen in Arriyadh owing to its versatility and robustness. Normally a climber which will reach
a height of over 9 metres and a spread of up to 3 metres, it is equally at home as a mounding
groundcover spreading up to 3 metres. It can also be clipped or hedged into a variety of shapes
and trained over fences and pergolas. The shrub has lush, bright-green leaves and small clusters
of faintly scented, jasmine-like flowers that bloom throughout the summer. Growing very rapidly,
but not very drought-resistant, it tolerates extreme heat, wind and salinity, even performing well
in brackish water. C. inerme will grow in almost any soil and tolerates poor drainage. Regular ir-
rigation is necessary to keep this shrub looking well. It is propagated by seed and cuttings. Plants
are particularly susceptible to tomato hornworms, are often overrun by the parasitic dodder plant
and have occasional infestations of white flies. Indian Privet needs frequent pruning, especially
when planted as a hedge and older plants become quite woody after a few years, if they have been
neglected. Maintenance is relatively intensive because of the required regular pruning to contain
the plant. Often, the shrubs have to be removed and a new start made. C. inerme is a useful clim-
ber on a shade structure or trellis covering a wall. It can also be attached to steel cables. It makes
a good plant for roadsides, if irrigation and frequent correct pruning are carried out.
109
Clerodendrum inerme,
Verbenaceae
Indian Privet