Sycopsis sinensis
Sycopsis sinensis
A very uncommon shrub in NZ gardens and probably around the world.
It belongs to the Hamamelidaceae a family of shrubs that include the well-known Witch Hazel. There are about 6 species of Sycopsis known from China, The Himalayas and the Philippine Islands.
It is the only commonly grown species in parks and gardens.
It differs from many of the well-known related plants in that it is a hardy evergreen while other are deciduous. Not very showy but useful plant for winter interest.
Growing up to 3 metres with its smooth, leathery, strongly nerved, long, rounded and pointed smooth evergreen leaves.
Separate male and female flowers on the same plant. No petals but short heads of many red tinged stamen (male) surrounded by hairy bracts. Female flowers are simpler and produce two shiny brown seeds.
It was originally collected in China by E H Wilson for Veitches Nursery in England in 1901 and won a RHS Award of Merit in 1926
A very uncommon shrub in NZ gardens and probably around the world.
It belongs to the Hamamelidaceae a family of shrubs that include the well-known Witch Hazel. There are about 6 species of Sycopsis known from China, The Himalayas and the Philippine Islands.
It is the only commonly grown species in parks and gardens.
It differs from many of the well-known related plants in that it is a hardy evergreen while other are deciduous. Not very showy but useful plant for winter interest.
Growing up to 3 metres with its smooth, leathery, strongly nerved, long, rounded and pointed smooth evergreen leaves.
Separate male and female flowers on the same plant. No petals but short heads of many red tinged stamen (male) surrounded by hairy bracts. Female flowers are simpler and produce two shiny brown seeds.
It was originally collected in China by E H Wilson for Veitches Nursery in England in 1901 and won a RHS Award of Merit in 1926