clerodendrum

American  

[kleer-uh-den-druhm, kler-] / ˌklɪər əˈdɛn drəm, ˌklɛr- /

Also clerodendron

noun

1. any of numerous tropical trees or shrubs of the genus Clerodendrum, having clusters of variously colored flowers.

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Etymology

Origin of clerodendrum

< New Latin (Linnaeus), equivalent to Greek klēro- (combining form of klêros lot, chance) + déndron tree; allegedly so named in reference to the varying uses of its species, some being medicinal, some poisonous