Loropetalum

A genus of a single species in E. Asia resembling Hamamelis in its narrow, strap-shaped petals and four-parted flowers, but amply distinguished by its evergreen nature and white flowers. There may be two species in this genus if L. lanceum Hand.-Mazz., described from a single fruiting specimen, belongs to Loropetalum and is distinct from L. chinense. A third species – L. subcordatum (Benth.) Oliver – is now regarded as genetically distinct and takes the name originally given to it by Bentham, namely Tetrathjrium subcordatum. It is a native of Hong Kong and has never been introduced to cultivation.