| Parrotia | |
|---|---|
| Specimen planted in Belgium | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| (unranked): | Angiosperms |
| (unranked): | Eudicots |
| (unranked): | Core eudicots |
| Order: | Saxifragales |
| Family: | Hamamelidaceae |
| Genus: | Parrotia C.A.Mey. |
| Species: | P. persica |
| Binomial name | |
| Parrotia persica (DC.) C.A.Mey. |
|
Parrotia persica (Persian Ironwood Tree) is a deciduous tree in the family Hamamelidaceae, the sole species in the genus Parrotia but closely related to the genus Hamamelis (Witch-hazels). It is native to northern Iran, where it is endemic in the Alborz mountains.
It grows to 30 m tall and 8-15 m broad, with a trunk up to 150 cm diameter. The bark is smooth, pinkish-brown flaking/peeling to leave cinnamon, pink, green, and pale yellow patches in a similar manner to plane trees. The leaves are alternate, ovoid, often slightly lop-sided, 6-15 cm long and 4-10 cm across, with a wavy margin; they are glossy green, turning a rich purple to brilliant red in autumn colours.
The flowers are somewhat similar to Witch-hazel flowers but dark red; they are likewise produced in late winter on bare stems, but differ in having only four rounded sepals with no petals; the stamens are however fairly conspicuous, forming a dense red cluster 3-4 mm across. The fruit is a two-parted capsule containing two seeds, one in each half.
It is cultivated as an ornamental tree for its stunning autumn colour and the smooth, patterned bark. Several cultivars have been selected for garden planting: