The existent name of a handkerchief Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree is Davidia involucrata . This unique and captivating tree diagram is also known by other name such as the dove tree or touch tree diagram . It is aboriginal to the regions of South Central and Southwest China , where it can be establish raise in its lifelike home ground .

The name “ handkerchief tree ” is deduce from the appearance of its flowers . In late spring or early summer , the Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree produces large , showy white bracts that hang down like touchy handkerchiefs . These bracts surround the small , inconspicuous flowers , give the tree its discrete and memorable look . When the wind instrument suck , it creates a mesmerizing effect as the white-hot bracts trip the light fantastic and hurly burly in the air , resemble a troop of doves or ghostly apparitions .

I had the delight of encountering a handkerchief tree during a visit to a botanic garden . As I strolled through the garden , I was instantly drawn to a magnificent tree with an copiousness of blank “ hankey ” dangle from its branches . It was a mass to behold , and I could n’t serve but marvel at the Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree ’s beauty and elegance .

The scientific name of the hanky tree , Davidia involucrata , yield tribute to the Scots botanist and explorer , Father Armand David , who first chance upon this species in China in the recent 19th century . The genus name , Davidia , honor his donation to botanic exploration , while the specific name , involucrata , advert to the involucral bracts that beleaguer the bloom .

In its aboriginal habitat , the hankie tree diagram can reach heights of up to 30 meters ( 98 feet ) and has a spreading , rounded crown . Its barque is grayish - brown and develop a rough grain as the tree matures . The leaves are large , heart - shaped , and have a somewhat hairy texture . They turn yellow in the autumn , tot up another level of sweetheart to the Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree .

The handkerchief tree diagram is extremely respect for its ornamental value , and many enthusiasts and nurseryman seek to cultivate it in their own landscapes . However , it can be a challenging tree diagram to grow outdoors of its native orbit . It prefers moist , well - drained soil and thrives in partial shade to full sun . It is also significant to leave the tree with ample infinite to grow and spread its branches .

To propagate the hankey tree , one can pull together seed from mature fruits and inseminate them in a well - prepared seedbed . It may take several years for the tree to touch maturity and start flowering . However , the time lag is deserving it , as the pot of the handkerchief - like bracts swaying in the air is in truth enchanting .

The material name of a hanky tree is Davidia involucrata . This beautiful tree , also hump as the dove tree or ghost tree , originates from South Central and Southwest China . Its unparalleled heyday , resembling snowy hankie , have charm the hearts of many nurseryman and nature enthusiasts . While it may pose some challenges in cultivation , the handkerchief tree diagram is a gem deserving look for out for its cosmetic economic value and striking presence in any garden or landscape painting .

Caroline Bates