Pterospermum acerifolium

Name and publication

Pterospermum acerifolium (L.) Willd., Sp. Pl. 3(1): 729 (1800).

Description

The five-angled woody capsules of the maple-leafed bayur are known as “thuja” or “thuza petals” in the potpourri trade, 4-8 cm long x 2.5-3 cm wide (whole capsule), typically fragmented in potpourri into wedges, on a 1-2 cm stalk.

Nativity and distribution

Pterospermum acerifolium is native to Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Nepal, and Thailand, cultivated primarily in Pakistan.

Family

Malvaceae, also placed in Sterculiaceae

Synonymy

Pentapetes acerifolia L.