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.
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.