Parrotia
Inflorescence from the Persian ironwood tree ( Parrotia persica )
Parrotia persica, also Parrotie, Persian iron wood tree, Persian iron wood, and like many other plant species also called ironwood, is the only species of the genus Parrotia and belongs to the family of the witch hazel family ( Hamamelidaceae ). The genus name honors the Parrotia German physician and botanist Friedrich W. Parrot ( 1792-1841 ).
Description
Appearance and leaf
Parrotia persica is a deciduous shrub or small tree that can reach the stature heights of up to 10 meters. Single-stemmed specimens are usually remarkably low and branches already close more above the ground. Its strains have a flaking Schuppenborke. The bark of young branches covered with stellate hairs ( trichomes ). The winter buds are stalked and equipped with bud scales.
The alternate arranged leaves are divided into petiole and leaf blade. The petiole is 2-6 mm long. The simple leaf blade is obovate with a length of 6 to 10 inches to elliptic with rounded to slightly heart-shaped Spreitengrund and rounded top. The leaf margin is serrated arched in the upper half. Both Spreitenflächen are hairy. The autumn colors of the leaves is bright yellow, orange or orange-red. The large stipules are obsolete.
Inflorescence, flower, fruit and seeds
The flowering period extends from January to March and the flowers unfold before the leaves. Most eight to ten flowers are in dense terminal, capitula -shaped inflorescences. The heads are of one to 1.5 centimeters long, outside deep brown hairy bracts ( bud scales ) surrounded. Parrotia persica is andromonözisch, that is, on a copy occur purely hermaphrodite and male flowers. The five to seven inconspicuous sepals are up to 1.5 mm long, green and brown tomentose at the top. Petals absent. The 14 stamens possess up to 1.5 centimeters long hanging stamens with red anthers.
The two-seeded fruit capsule opens two to vierklappig. The oblong- elliptical seeds shine light brown.
Dissemination and use
The Parrotie is located in northern Iran and the Caucasus. One finds this decorative plant species as ornamental tree in parks and occasionally also in almost all botanical gardens.
Swell
- Botanical Garden Tübingen: Parrotia.