Not ringing any bells, which makes me think you are in a completely different region. Maybe try one of the regional forums, if one covers your area fairly precisely (same state or comparatively small region, like "Southern".)

Thank you bboy, I've tried a few of the local garden centers and I 've been told that its either a privet or viburnum.

Not a privet. Could turn out to be Viburnum plicatum, I suppose. Neither produces orange flowers.

I took it to another garden authority today and they confirmed it was neither a privet or viburnum. Its got me beat, as someone else said it was a type of grape ivy?

I can't think of any more real clues other than it was quite a twiggy bush with lots of these seed heads and small orange flowers.

I'll may have to take it to a botanic garden for ID

Thanks, Peta

Hi,

If you still have some foliage left can you advise the following:
1. How are the leaves are attached to the stems i.e are they opposite each other, stepped (alternate) etc. ?
2. Do the leaves haved toothed margins or are they smooth?
3. Did the plant ever lose its leaves in cold weather?
4. If you split open one of the fruits can you advise if there is one or multiple seeds inside?
5. what colour is the bark?
6. Is any part of the leaf "hairy"?

Regards,

Ted

Just one more question, can you specify exactly where in the USA you are located?

Ted

I just checked my details on this forum and I have realised that I am listed as living in America. I'm so sorry but this is incorrect (I think I just hit any key to quicken the registration process). I actually live in Melbourne, Aust.

As far as your questions go I will try to answer them first thing in the morning.

My appologies

Peta

Finally got around to examining the bush again and these, I hope, are the correct answers to your Q's.

1 The leaves stick out opposite each other. I noticed a couple of smaller leaves at the base of the main leaves

2 Egdes of leaves are smooth
3 yes
4 Lots of little seeds inside
5 A gray/brown
6 the underside of the leaves are kind of felty

Hope this helps

Tx

Peta

Just a bit more information which I didnt point out too well above, we purchased the plant at the West Australian Tropical Plant Society fete a few years ago in Perth but we now have it growing in full sun in Melbourne. Maybe thats why it loses leaves.

Tx

Hi,

I am fairly certain that the plant is in the family Rubiaceae. I've attached the pic below from a google search-- this is Mussaenda frondosa -- I think the seeds are a pretty close match and it does have an orange star shaped flower etc etc.

Regards,

Ted

{{gwi:330069}}

Mussaenda phillipica?

I compared Mussaenda phillipica and Mussaenda frondosa -- mine is definately Mussaenda frondosa. Thanks to all.

Peta