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
Top surface of the leaf
Under surface of leaf
