Trees

Pterocarya paliurus

Native to the mountains of central China, Henry discovered this outstanding relative of the walnut in 1888. Introduced by Wilson for Messrs Veitch in 1901, this intriguing species is not in the trade. Kew collected this species in Nanjiang County, Sichuan and a specimen was offered in Kew's 2003 plant auction - this is likely to have been the first re-introduction of material for a century!

This large tree can reach twenty-five metres in height with a spread to eight metres. The large pinnate, dark, glossy green leaves form a foil for the bizarre olive green bottlebrush shaped catkins that are succeeded by chains of remarkable winged fruits up to five centimetres across shaped like miniature cymbals.

Find out more

You can see several specimens of Pterocarya paliurus at Wakehurst Place

Search Kew's electronic Plant Information Centre for scientific information about Pterocarya paliurus

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