Description

Unique, spectacular tree when in flower. It is slow to flower but it is worth the wait as in late spring masses of yellow-green flowers with purple anthers appear surrounded by large white leafy bracts of unequal size, the larger up to 18cm (7ins long), hang down and create amazing white tiers which resemble white doves or pinched handkerchieves. The flowers are attractive to bees and many other pollinating insects as they are rich in nectar and pollen. These are followed by round green pendent fruits, which ripen to purple-brown. The tree has heart-shaped bright green leaves with a spicy, incense fragrance and turn burnished hues before falling. 6 x 3m (20 x 10ft) in 20 years, ultimate height 15m (50ft).