Just seen small Davidia (Handkerchief Tree) in flower. It might have
been the cultivar "Sonoma" as it was only about 4 - 5 metres high and
had numerous flowers.

What was interesting is that although the leaves on the crown were their
usual green colour, there were two shoots coming out of the trunk about
30 cm above ground level on which all the leaves were purple-brown.
I've seen a few Davidias before, but can't ever remember seeing leaves
of that colour. Anyone else seen this colour on a Davidia? If it's a
sport and can be propagated, and flowering isn't affected, the leaves
would make a fabulous foil for the white bracts.

--

Jeff