Glory Flower

This Clerodendrum bungei is also known as 'glory flower', its vivid appearance warranting this superlative name. Its original name, however, from Russian botanist Alexander von Bunge (after whom it is now named), was Clerodendrum foetidum on the account of its overpowering, pungent smell. Earthly glory, like this plant, looks brilliant, but stinks. It stinks of corruption, greed and impermanence. Only the glory of Christ, the lily of the valley, is as sweet and pure as it is powerful and splendid.

In the beauty of the lilies Christ was born across the sea,
With a glory in His bosom that transfigures you and me.
As He died to make men holy, let us die to make men free,
While God is marching on.

Glory, glory, hallelujah!
Glory, glory, hallelujah!
Glory, glory, hallelujah!
Our God is marching on.

-Julia Ward Howe