Parrot's Beak

Family

Lamiaceae

Origin

Philippines, Malaysia, India

Description

Gmelina philippensis is an extraordinary tropical shrub with pendant branches, large long leaves . Plant can grow upto 15 ft but can be kept small by trimming.

Exotic flowers comprised of yellow blossoms emerge, at the end of a tube-like structure of overlapping bracts, in summer months between August to December. The flower resembles parrot's beak.

The shrub has ivy-like leaves that is also good for bonsai. Trunk will develop interesting bark with age. The plant does have spines.

Its seeds are used as a natural medicine against eczema and coughs.

Environment

Gmelina need full sun and fertile, well-drained soil. Water freely when in growth & feed once a month.

Plant responds well to regular pruning and can be shaped into a very bushy shrub, though this inhibits blooming.

Landscape Use

Flower borders and beds. Wall-side Borders