Firmania simplex

Description

Firmania simplex is a choice very exotic looking tree from Southern China with a striking smooth green trunk which it retains even on older branches. Mature trees have 3 to 5 lobed leaves up to 15cm across, impressive enough but young vigorous plants can have leaves 3 or 4 times larger. Once considered tender it is proving reliable in most gardens given a little shelter from cold drying winds. Definitely one to look out for and a potential candidate for coppicing to promote juvenile growth for huge leaves.