30. Handkerchief or Dove Tree

Common Name - Handkerchief or Dove Tree           

Latin Name - Davidia involucrata

Height - 12 to 17 Metres            

Discovered by Pere David in China in 1869 this tree was introduced to our shores in 1904. As a consequence, of his discovery the genus Davidia is named after Farther Armand David a French Missionary and keen naturalist who lived in China.

Its common name of Handkerchief or Dove tree derives from the large white bracts which appear in May and are later followed by large oval fruits in autumn. Being a medium to large tree the foliage and habit of the tree are similar to the Lime Tree and likes a somewhat sheltered position to do its best. Unfortunately, this tree can be difficult to grow from young and only starts to thrive with maturity when exceeding 2.4 to 3 Metres. The tree will eventually reach upwards of 12 to 17 Metres in height.