I'm aware of liliflora nigra, but this was quite a large tree - at least 25
feet tall with a single trunk, while liliflora is usually shrubby and
multi-trunked where I have seen it.
"Bill Spohn" wrote in message
...
I have been searching for a long time
for a beautiful large tree-sized cultivar I passed regularly in
Tallahassee,
Florida, with deep purple buds, which opened deep purple - not pink -
like
beautiful purple tulips.

Lilliflora nigra comes close to what you want. It also blooms at a young
age.