Sandankwa Viburnum

Viburnum suspensum Lindl.

vie-BURN-um sus-PEN-sum

Caprifoliaceae

Explanation of name: Viburnum is the Latin name for a similar species. Suspensum refers to the tendency of the flower clusters to dangle.

Natural range: Ryukyu Islands (near Japan)

Recognition: Shrub with opposite leaves having deeply indented veins and slightly serrate-crenate margins. The leaves have a vague odor of bacon when crushed. The small, fragrant, pink-white flowers are in congested droopy inflorescences and are tube-shaped. Differs from V. odoratissimum by the conspicuously indented veins, by the bacon odor, and by having prominently raised conspicuous lenticels.

Landscape uses: One of the commonest clipped-hedge and foundation species around South Florida