Tetracentron is a single-species genus belonging to the Trochodendraceae family.

Tetracentron

Tetracentron sinense is a deciduous tree that typically reaches heights of about 12 meters in the UK, though it is occasionally cultivated as a substantial shrub. The foliage consists of ovate to heart-shaped leaves, which are sharply pointed and can grow up to 10.5 centimeters in length, displaying a reddish hue during their early stages. In summer, it produces small, yellowish flowers arranged in slender, pendulous spikes reminiscent of catkins, which can extend up to 15 centimeters and dangle from the leafy branches.

Tetracentron sinense

Tetracentron sinense from the Himalaya

Trochodendron is a perennial shrub or tree that can grow up to approximately 20 meters tall. Its leaves are thick and dark green, and it produces yellowish-green flowers. These flowers lack petals and contain between 40 to 70 stamens. The resulting fruit is woody and has a star-like shape.

Trochodendron

Trochodendron aralioides typically thrives as an epiphyte or tree in its natural habitat, reaching heights of over 10 meters. However, when cultivated, it generally develops into a slow-growing shrub, averaging around 3 meters. The plant features fragrant bark and spirally arranged, long-stalked evergreen leaves that can measure up to 12 centimeters in length. These leaves are obovate, tapered, leathery, and glossy, presenting a vibrant bright green or olive-green hue with scalloped edges. In late spring and early summer, it produces racemes that can grow up to 12 centimeters long, each bearing 10 to 20 or more bright green flowers. These flowers, measuring approximately 2 centimeters across, lack petals but showcase numerous stamens that radiate from a central green disc.

Trochodendron aralioides

Trochodendron aralioides 'Abbotsbury'

Trochodendron aralioides from Japan

Trochodendron aralioides is an evergreen shrub or tree that can reach heights of up to 10 meters. It features glossy, dark green leaves measuring up to 12 centimeters in length, which are arranged spirally along elongated leaf stalks around the stems. During late spring and early summer, it produces green flowers that lack petals, appearing in clusters at the ends of the shoots.