Unknown shrub

Discussion in 'Plants: Identification' started by davallia, Dec 12, 2011.

  1. davallia

    davallia Active Member

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    The first picture was taken 01 July (winter), and appeared to be a flower (ramiflorous). However, today (summer) the second photo was taken and it appears to be the flower. Third photo shows top and back of leaves. Any thoughts? Unable to match to the grid plant list at RBG.
     

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  2. Ron B

    Ron B Paragon of Plants 10 Years

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    Leaves and stems in first and third photos look as though they are perhaps different.
     
  3. woodschmoe

    woodschmoe Active Member 10 Years

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    Third image is reminiscent of Hovenia...
     
  4. davallia

    davallia Active Member

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    I was so surprised at what was showing this weekend, that I thought I had a different shrub. For sure it's the same one. Have attached leaf picture from last July when the first pic was taken.
     

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  5. woates

    woates Active Member

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    I wonder if it could be a Viburnum? Not sure which one, but I will keep searching - there are so many....
     
  6. Michael F

    Michael F Paragon of Plants Forums Moderator 10 Years

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    Alternate leaves, so not a Viburnum. Sorry, no idea what it is though.
     
  7. Tony Rodd

    Tony Rodd Active Member

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    I think it may be Dendrocnide photinophylla in the Urticaceae.
     
  8. Ron B

    Ron B Paragon of Plants 10 Years

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  9. davallia

    davallia Active Member

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    Aaahhh - thank you so much. The only plant in the genus Dendrocnide at RBG is Dendrocnide excelsa. Other species on the plant list in Urticaceae include: Boehmeria spp, Debregeasia spp, Elatostema spp, Parietaria officinalis, Pipturus argenteus and Pouzolzia australis. The last two seem the closest in photos; also the closest physically in nearby beds.
     
  10. Tony Rodd

    Tony Rodd Active Member

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    Davallia, I looked into all those members of Urticaceae you have suggested and still come back to Dendrocnide photinophylla as the likeliest identification. Nearly all spp. of Boehmeria, Debregeasia, Pipturus and Pouzolzia seem to have leaves that are whitish on the undersides, or have different inflorescence arrangement and/or fruit colour. You can rule out Elatostema and Parietaria as being low herbs.
    Botanical gardens often don't know exactly what's in their collections.
     
    Last edited: Dec 15, 2011
  11. Ron B

    Ron B Paragon of Plants 10 Years

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    Some specimens occur that were never planted by the garden staff and recorded as accessions.
     
  12. davallia

    davallia Active Member

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    Thank you for your knowledge - I know it's difficult what with birds, animals and wind contributing to the plants at botanical gardens. I see what you mean about the back of the leaves. Thank you again - very much appreciated.
     

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