A medium-sized understory tree 15-20 m tall. Leaves are deciduous, simple, alternate; blades cordate or lobed at the base, 20-30" long; upper surfaces glabrous, dark green; lower surfaces flaucous, pubescent. Twigs stout, brittle, densely tomentose when young; terminal winter buds bluntly pointed, flattened, covered wiath white hairs, 1 3/4 - 2" long; a large pith. Beautiful, ivory flowers growing 10 to 15 inches wide, with three purple blotches on inner petals. Fruits cone-like aggregate of follicles, ovoid to subglobose, reddish purple, soon blackening. Seeds bright red.

Analgesic, antidiarrheal and stomachic (bark)

Plants For A Future
Flora of China

An infusion of the bark has been used in the treatment of stomach aches or cramps. A hot infusion of the bark has been snuffed for treating sinus problems and has been held in the mouth for treating toothache