Wirewood (Acradenia frankliniae)
Description
Franklinia alatamaha is a deciduous large shrub or small tree growing to 10 m (33 ft) tall, but commonly 4.5-7.5 m (15-25 ft). It is commercially available for garden cultivation. It is prized for its lightly fragrant white flowers, similar to single white Camellia blossoms; the smell may remind some of orange blossoms or honeysuckle. The tree has a symmetrical, somewhat pyramidal shape, often with different individuals of the species forming almost identical crowns. It frequently suckers and can form several vertical trunks close to ground level. The bark is gray with vertical white striations and has a ridged texture. The alternate, obovate leaves are up to 6 in (15 cm) in length and turn a bright orange-red in the fall. Although difficult to transplant, once established, F. alatamaha can live a century or more. Franklinia alatamaha fruit develop slowly. The seed capsules require 12-14 months to mature. When ripe the pentavalved spherical capsules split above and below in a unique manner. Anecdotal evidence suggests viable seed production is enhanced where two or more plants are present in close proximity.
Taxonomic tree
-
Domain: Eukarya
-
-
Kingdom: Plantae
-
-
Phylum:
-
-
Class: Magnoliopsida
-
-
Order: Sapindales
-
-
Family: Rutaceae
-
-
Genus: Acradenia
-
-
-
-
-
-
