Horticulture Help

[digitaldiscipline]

So, a year ago, Kim brought home a sprig of something from the zoo, and I planted it in the back yard.

It's grown into this (apologies for the washed-out color), and we have no fucking idea what it is.

Anyone have the first clue? Dad thinks it's some unspecified variant of the Chaste Tree, but that seems to have lilac flowers in long, conical clusters and a different type of leaves.

Comments

[ivy]

Maybe something in the Cecropia family? They're tropical -- here's one example that looks kind of close. Leaves closeup here, but I can't find anything as toothed as yours, and the flowers all look significantly different. Tropical plants are not my strength, but I'll keep looking.

Edit: Castor bean? Flowers look closer. Leaves still not toothed, but at least the mostly right shape.

[etcet.livejournal.com]

I'm inclined to say "probably not," mostly due to the fact that any leaves below the top canopy die and drop off, not unlike palm fronds.