The Magic Tree

DAVIDIA INVOLUCRATA - THE HANDKERCHIEF TREE
Have you ever noticed how often trees feature in magic and fantasy tales? (Think 'Lord of the Rings', or even 'Harry Potter'.) Our handkerchief tree, all magical and mysterious, secrets itself among the other trees in our local park. Most of the time we pass it by, scarcely noticing, but at this time of year it sheds its white 'handkerchiefs', which are in fact leaf-like brachts, over the ground and pathways near the tree, thus revealing its position. This is the time to make a note of its location if you want to follow its progress throughout the year. When you discover it, look up and you will see the white 'handkerchiefs' hanging in long rows on the underside of the level branches. If there is a breeze, the 'handkerchiefs' will flutter magically like white doves or handkerchiefs, hence the name. The whole effect is even more magical when the sun is shining through them, turning them into fairy lanterns. It would seem that these ornamental trees, originally from China and introduced at the start of the 20th Century, are not very common throughout the country, but can be found in some specialist parks and gardens.