Idesia Polycarpa Vestida

Found by ‘Chinese’ Wilson in the mountainous regions of Szechuan, Idesia polycarpa var. vestida is a tall, deciduous tree with quite an upright, graceful habit, the branches almost horizontal. It has curious, rusty, peeling bark, revealing creamy under-bark. Trees are either male or female, and berries are only produced if you have both. The slightly aromatic leaves are heart-shaped and deep green, with whitish, almost felted undersides when young. The clusters of inconspicuous flowers are creamy-yellow, turning to beautiful clusters of brick-red berries in autumn.