Tripora divaricata is a strong-smelling perennial in the mint family, native to Japan, Korea, and China. It isn't native to North America. Its blue-violet late-summer flowers have long, arching stamens that curve down in front of the flower.
Appearance
- Appearance
- The whole plant gives off an unpleasant smell, strongest when it flowers.
- Growth form
- An upright perennial about 2.5–3 ft (80 cm–1 m) tall with square stems.
- Leaves
- Opposite, broadly oval, toothed leaves with pointed tips.
- Flowers
- Small blue-violet flowers with a broad, patterned lower lip. The stamens and style stick far out and arch downward, so a visiting bee's back touches them.
- Flowering time
- Late summer: July to September in Korea and August to September in Japan.
Where it lives
- Typical habitats
- mountain grasslands
- sunny woodland edges
- Range
- Native to Japan, Korea, and central China. It is not native to North America.
- Preferred conditions
- Prefers sunny spots that don't dry out.
Name and classification
- About the name
- Often listed under its older name, Caryopteris divaricata. It was moved to its own one-species genus, Tripora, in 1999.
Conservation
- IUCN Red List
- NENot EvaluatedNot yet assessed
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