Hi, everyone! I am an educator living in South Korea and am new at the art of taking care of plants. I received a houseplant, the name of which was given to be 'elecampane' when translated from Korean (목향). After becoming concerned about care tips and looking this plant up online, I didn't see much in the way of resemblance. I then asked a number of people I know who know a bit about plants, but I couldn't get a clear answer from anyone. After that, I scoured the Internet to identify this plant and have had no luck. I was pleased to come across this forum, which I also scanned, but I did not see anything that looks quite like this. I have attached a photo which I hope will be adequate for the purposes of identification. If it is too hard to make out, please let me know and I will try to get a better shot, although I am shooting with a low-res phone cam. Any help as far as putting a name to it or any advice with respect to caring for such a plant would be greatly appreciated by my little green friend and I. Thanks in advance for your help, and to all contributors for sharing your knowledge with the not-so-plant-savvy. Kevin Buchanan P.S. I've noticed since this photo was taken that the leaves appear to be speckled with perfect little circles of 'dust' that do not come off with a duster -- only when rubbed. Also, a few of the leaves have turned bright red in colour, and new leaves seem to be growing away from direct sunlight.
don't know what the plant is. saltcedars suggestion seems spot-on, though. as is the usual :) little circles of 'dust' that don't come off with a duster yet do come off when rubbed leads me to think fungus/mildew issue. if the plant seems to be growing away from the light source, then, it's probably too bright for it right there next to the window - try moving it back a foot or so or move it to the side so it's getting the lighting indirectly.
Wow! I never expected to get quite so many replies -- and so promptly! Thanks to all of you for your comments. Myrtus was one of the suggestions I had before from one of my friends. I suppose all the images I have seemed different from mine because they are shots taken when the plant is in bloom. As for the camellia suggestion, the leaves look quite similar to some of the images I've seen. Thanks for the mold/mildew warning. I would hate to have that stuff lurking around my apartment. Any other tips you have would be greatly appreciated. K.B.
The form reminds me of a particular plant but I reserve judgement. Close up pictures of the leaves and stems would help as would a description of the flowers.
Thanks for the continued efforts. I really have to get my hands on a better camera, as the one I have doesn't quite do the trick. I have attached a few more low-res snaps with focus on a few key features (as far as I can guess.) Perhaps these can help. I hope everyone is having a wonderful evening or a beautiful day -- depending on where you are. K.B.
Can't say for sure but it reminds me of Osmanthus fragrans. http://www.toptropicals.com/html/toptropicals/plant_wk/osmanthus.htm
