Origin: China. Deciduous tree, one of the fastest growing known. It has a very spreading crown, unevenly umbrella shaped. Very large leaves (25-40cm), ovate, pointed, green and covered with a soft down on the underside. Flowers: very beautiful in April-May. They are tubular-bell shaped with mauve-lilac corollas, fragrant, grouped in large upright panicles. Fruit: similar to nuts, green and tinged with yellow. No special requirements regarding soil provided that it is permeable, and prefers calcareous. Use: planted as a free standing specimen in gardens; as a free standing specimen or in groups in parks.