Phil Bendle Collection:Parrotia persica (Persian ironwood)

Kingdom: Plantae
Division: Magnoliophyta
Class: Magnoliopsida
Order: Saxifragales
Family: Hamamelidaceae
Genus: Parrotia
Species: P. persica
Binomial name: Parrotia persica
Common name: Persian ironwood

Parrotia persica 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 8-15m 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.

Can be found in the area below Watson St. and at Adam's Point

The tree's many branches[1]

[2]

Top surface of the leaf

[3] Under surface of leaf
[4]

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