Polylepis australis at Roath Park Botanic Garden

Polylepis australis 0

Polylepis australis
early May 2019

Grid reference ST 18514 79155
Common name Tabaquillo
Common name QueƱoa
Origin Central Argentina
Deciduous Semi-evergreen
Status Wales Champion 2019
Height 4M
Girth 48cm over flaking bark
Reference 583

This tree is on the east side of the Acer Lawn. It was donated by Roger and Vicky Smith c.2009.

Polylepis australis bark1

Polylepis australis bark
early May 2019

Polylepis australis bark2

Polylepis australis bark
early May 2019

Polylepis australis leaf

Polylepis australis leaves
early May 2019

Polylepis australis flower1

Polylepis australis flowers
early May 2019

Polylepis australis flower2

Polylepis australis flowers
early May 2019

General tree description

Polylepis australis is a small tree that can grow to 10 metres in height in the wild. The light brown, flaking bark is its most notable feature, described as follows by Dr Owen Johnson: "The bark peels in coffee-brown papery Fuchsia-like rolls which, rather than flaking away, build layer upon layer until the tree resembles a kind of wooden sheep." The leaves are pinnate, comprising five to seven toothed leaflets 7 to 10cm long. Some turn yellow in autumn and some remain on the tree until winter. In May there are long, drooping clusters of small, green flowers with red-purple stamens.