Hidden Treasure of the Arboretum: Pleasing Polyspora
Polyspora speciosa blooming in the Arboretum in October. (Photo by Walt Bubelis)
Polyspora is a genus of small evergreen trees from East Asia. Along with Camellia, Franklinia, and others, they are members of the tea family (Theaceae). Their large, five-petaled white flowers appear in autumn, winter or early spring, depending on the species, and bear a strong resemblance to those of species camellias. Tanned, peeling bark and glossy evergreen leaves give the plants year-round appeal.
The Arboretum is home to two species: P. speciosa and P. axillaris. Walt Bubelis profiles the genus and the Arboretum’s specimens in the latest issue of the Washington Park Arboretum Bulletin. READ MORE!
