Parrotia persica

Botanical Name: Parrotia persica
Common Name: Persian Ironwood
Family: HAMAMELIDACEAE (Witch Hazels and Sweet Gums)
Origin: Endemic to the Northern Iran area including the Caucasus Mountains
Plant Type: Deciduous Tree

Horticultural Notes

Description: This is a domed-shaped, short-trunked tree, with a bark resembling that of a London Plane. The older, darker bark exfoliates to reveal attractive pink, cinnamon, and yellow patches. Garden specimens are often maintained as large bushes, or as small trees of height 2-5 m. Trees are slow growing -+3 m in ten years- making them suitable for the smaller garden. In the wild trees can reach 25 m.

The tree is noted for its rich autumn leaf colour and attractive bark. It blooms in the late winter before spring growth appears. New growth is reddish purple, mature leaves are large, simple and with serrated margins. The small flowers are devoid of petals but contain attractive red stamens.

Cultivation: Preferring full sun but able to cope with partial shade, P. persica is drought tolerant and frost hardy. Its buds, however, are susceptible to frosts and it is best sited away from severe winds. While able to tolerate a range of soil pH, the tree thrives in moist, fertile, well drained, mildly acidic conditions.

Frequent in the British Isles, the Persian Ironwood most commonly has been planted in the South and West where the larger specimens tend to occur. It is valued as a beautiful landscape tree that does well in urban settings. Cultivation is relatively problem free. Propagation from seed is easy, though rather slow and soft cuttings can be taken in the spring. Pruning needs are minimal and trees are not prone to disease.

Historical Notes

P. persica was named in 1831 and introduced into Britain in 1841. The Parrotia genus is named after F.W. Parrot, an early 19th century German botanist. The English name Persian Ironwood, refers to the dense nature of the wood.

Ethnobotanical Notes

In ancient Iran the wood was burnt and the ash then scattered to deter pests.

Ecology and Conservation Issues

The mountain forests of Northern Iran, where P. persica naturally grows, are subject to major degradation from logging, agriculture and grazing.

Additional Notes

Parrotia is a genus generally thought to be monotypic, however, recently a second, Chinese species, has been proposed.

Fine UK specimen: Abbortsford, Dorset
Other Resources: www.nobleplants.com/articles/ajcparrotiapersica.htm, www.hamshahri.org/musiems/daarabad/inwm/no.4/english/fau_flow/ir_flowers01.html