Parrotia
(named after F. Parrot, 1792-1812, a German naturalist and traveller). ORD. Hamamelideae. This genus comprises a couple of species of hardy trees or shrubs, the one inhabiting Kashmir, the other Northern Persia. Calyx-tube bell-shaped, and the border divided into five or seven lobes; corolla wanting; stamens five to seven; styles two. Leaves oblong or orbicular, deciduous, crenate; stipules large, deciduous. P. persica, under cultivation, is a beautiful, hardy shrub or small tree, whose chief attraction lies in the fine autumnal tints of its leaves. The most suitable situation for it is against a wall, where it will need no protection, and almost any soil will suit it. Both species may be propagated by seeds, or by layers. P. Jacquemontiana (Jacquemont's). fl. small; calyx segments narrow, oblong or linear; involucral bracts obovate, 3/4in. long. l. 2in. to 3in. in diameter, blunt; petioles 1/3in. long. h. 6ft. to 12ft. Kashmir. A gregarious bush, closely resembling a hazel. (B. F. F. 28.) P. persica (Persian).* Iron-tree. fl. chiefly conspicuous for the numerous, spreading stamens. l. ovate-oblong, of a deep green in summer; in autumn, they assume at the tip a glowing crimson colour, in the centre a rich orange or yellow, while the base retains its green hue. h. 10ft. Persia, 1848. (B. M. 5744.)