Sycopsis sinensis

Sycopsis sinensis is an evergreen shrub in the family Hamamelidaceae. A native to central and western China where it grows as understory in evergreen forests on hillsides at 1300 – 1500m.

The flower parts burst out of their protective bud casings as the weather warms.

Relatively small, but colourful, citrus yellow anthers splay out in a spray pattern. These fade to a shade of orange as they mature. All held within bud scales the colour of a coconut and as hairy.

Last Thursday, the 10th February, was the first day this winter that the sun shone for a prolonged period, a total of 7.5 hours. The previous time we had a sunnier day was on November 11th. The weather records sun show what a sun deprived winter we have experienced. This sunny weather released the much appreciated winter scents. The relative warmth drawing the floral perfumes out into the air from the Hamamelis and Sarcococca species now in bloom through the Garden.

Sycopsis sinensis

Sunshine card 10 February 2011