**Scientific Name:** *Clerodendrum speciosissimum*
**Family & Genus:** Verbenaceae
**Origin:** Native to tropical West Africa.
**Morphological Features:**
The Red Dragon Turtle is a climbing evergreen shrub with opposite, ovate leaves that have pointed tips and prominent lateral veins. The flowers form clusters at the ends or in the leaf axils. The buds start white and gradually turn pink, forming a pentagonal shape with a narrow top. The petals are bright red, and the stamens extend beyond the corolla, creating an eye-catching display.
**Biological Characteristics:**
This plant thrives in warm, humid, and sunny environments and is not cold-tolerant. The ideal growth temperature ranges from 18–24°C, but during February to October, it can tolerate up to 30°C. In winter, temperatures should remain above 8°C, as anything below 5°C may cause frost damage.
Light conditions are crucial: too little light leads to leaf drop, while excessive light causes wilting. During the growing season, keep the soil consistently moist but avoid overwatering, which can lead to root rot, yellowing leaves, and no flowering. Water thoroughly in summer and reduce watering in winter to encourage dormancy.
In winter, ensure sufficient sunlight. During hot summers, provide shade to prevent leaf discoloration. Insufficient light can hinder blooming, though flower bud formation isn’t affected by day length. Strong light promotes better bud development. If the temperature stays above 21°C for more than 24 hours, the plant may drop its flowers.
**Soil Requirements:**
It prefers well-drained, loose, and fertile sandy loam. For potted plants, a mix of garden soil or peat moss with coarse sand works well.
**Usage and Cultivation History:**
Introduced to the UK in 1790, the Red Dragon Turtle was primarily grown in greenhouses and became popular in European botanical gardens. Today, it is widely used as an ornamental plant in Europe and the U.S., often placed on ledges or in summer gardens. Israel’s Yag Nursery and Australia’s Oswald Plant Company now produce it commercially for global markets.
In China, its cultivation began in the early 20th century in southern cities like Guangzhou and Xiamen. After the founding of the People's Republic of China, it was introduced to botanical gardens and is now widely cultivated in cities such as Shenzhen, Guangzhou, and Zhuhai. Potted versions are commonly found in flower markets.
**About the Plant:**
Red Dragon Turtle is one of several species known as "Dragon Spitting Beads," also called Pearl Poinsettia. It belongs to the genus *Clerodendrum*, and its striking red and white blossoms resemble a dragon spitting pearls.
**Varieties:**
- **Variegatum:** Dark green leaves with irregular white markings.
- **C. fallax:** 60 cm tall, with bright red flowers.
- **C. fortunatum:** White flowers and black fruits.
- **C. foxii:** Dark green leaves and bright red flowers.
- **C. fragrans:** Dwarf variety with pink, double petals.
- **Pseudojasmine (C. inerme):** Creeping shrub with white flowers.
- **C. japonicum:** Heart-shaped leaves, bright red flowers, and blue-black fruits.
- **C. myricoides:** Shrubs with blue-purple flowers.
- **C. speciosum:** Red flowers with pale pink sepals and white styles.
- **C. splendens:** Bright red flowers.
- **C. wallichii:** Evergreen shrub with dark green leaves, red sepals, and white flowers.
Disposable Surgical Caps
Disposable
surgical caps are considered to be a necessary piece of personal protective
clothing. They not only prevent
germs from the hair or scalp of surgical personnel from contaminating the
operating area, but also prevent the operating team from being
contaminated by potentially infectious substances. Most of the material of Surgical caps are made
of high quality non-woven fabric. And the colorful surgical caps are for your
choose, that would make someone be recognized easy.
Matched with caps, Yingmed also supplies a comprehensive
selection of Surgical coats, sing-use face mask, surgical gloves and Non-woven
isolation gown. Please contact our customer services for the details. We would
very happy to advise you.
Disposable Surgical Caps,Non Woven Disposable Surgical Caps,Medical Disposable Surgical Caps,Nonwoven Disposable Surgical Caps
NINGBO YINGMED MEDICAL INSTRUMENTS CO.,LTD , https://www.chinayingmed.com