Perrotia

Perrotia is a genus of flowering plants in the family Hamamelidaceae, native to the Caucasus and northern Iran. It is named after Georges Perrot, a French botanist.

The genus contains a single species:

• Perrotia persica (also known as the Persian Ironwood or Parrotia persica) is a small deciduous tree or large shrub, typically growing to a height of 8–12 meters (26–39 feet) and a width of 6–10 meters (20–33 feet). It is prized for its attractive flaking bark, which exfoliates in patches of grey, green, and brown, revealing underlying layers of color. The leaves are simple, alternate, ovate to obovate, and turn vibrant shades of red, orange, and yellow in the autumn, providing a striking display of fall color. The flowers are small and inconspicuous, appearing in late winter or early spring before the leaves emerge. They are composed of red stamens surrounded by brown bracts. The fruit is a small capsule.

Perrotia persica is a relatively slow-growing and long-lived tree. It is tolerant of a wide range of soil conditions, including clay soils, and is also relatively drought-tolerant once established. It prefers full sun to partial shade. It is often used as an ornamental tree in gardens and parks due to its attractive bark, fall foliage, and overall hardiness. It is also sometimes used in bonsai.