Sycopsis sinensis

It is always a delight to find a rare and unusual plant in flower, and a botanical garden is the place to find one. Sycopsis sinensis is a large evergreen shrub or small tree on the left as you enter the path to the bear pit. (Sadly the bear pit is currently closed as part of Covid restrictions.) 

The Sycopsis, also known as Chinese fighazel, has been growing there for many years, and may be almost unnoticed amongst the flora around it. However, at this time of year, it is covered in the most exquisite small clusters of yellow stamens, with chocolate brown bracts that enclose the flowers.  This plant is in the same family as the witch hazel (Hamamelis), many of which grow in the Gardens, and are also in flower at this time of year.

This plant is one of many found by the English plant hunter, Ernest Wilson, whilst working for Veitch nurseries, and introduced to the UK in 1901. It originates from Central China. There are many trees and shrubs growing in the Gardens that were introduced by Wilson, who was a very successful plant hunter, one of these being the beautiful Davidia involucrata (handkerchief tree) which will flower later in the year.