Loropetalum
# Loropetalum

Loropetalum is a genus of four species of shrubs or small trees in the witch-hazel family, Hamamelidaceae, native to China, Japan, and south-eastern Asia.

## Description

Flowers are produced in clusters during spring and are similar to those of the closely related witch-hazel. Each flower consists of four to six (depending on species) slender strap shaped petals 1–2 cm long.

## Taxonomy

Loropetalum is placed in tribe Loropetaleae, subfamily Hamamelidoideae, family Hamamelidaceae of the Saxifragales.

### Etymology

The name Loropetalum refers to the shape of the flowers and comes from the Greek loron meaning strap and petalon meaning petal.

### Species

The species are:

* Loropetalum chinense - white-flowering variety up to 3.7 m tall, pink-flowering variety up to 1.5 m tall
* Loropetalum flavum - yellow flowers
* Loropetalum lanceum - up to 13 m tall, white flowers
* Loropetalum subcordatum - up to 12 m tall
