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]
