Stachyurus chinensis Franch.

This Chinese species, closely allied to S. praecox, was introduced by Wilson in 1908. Although, as seen growing side by side, they appear distinct, there is really very little on which one can seize to differentiate them. In habit S. chinensis is the stronger and more vigorous, sending up strong arching shoots, varying from green to dark brown, sometimes red as in S. praecox. The leaves are relatively broader, ovate or oblong-ovate, and more abruptly acuminate; the style is about equal in length to the petals or slightly exserted, and the fruits smaller. It flowers at Kew about a fortnight later than S. praecox, and is as hardy and, if anything, more attractive.