Loropetalum


Loropetalum is a genus of four species of shrubs or small trees in the witch-hazel family, Hamamelidaceae, native to China, Japan, and south-eastern Asia.

Description

s are produced in clusters during spring and are similar to those of the closely related witch-hazel. Each flower consists of four to six slender strap shaped petals 1–2 cm long.

Taxonomy

Loropetalum is placed in tribe Loropetaleae, subfamily Hamamelidoideae, family Hamamelidaceae of the Saxifragales.

Etymology

The name Loropetalum refers to the shape of the flowers and comes from the Greek loron meaning strap and petalon meaning petal.

Species

The species are: