Cercidiphyllum japonicum (kadsura tree)
Plant of the month: January
Heart-shaped leaves turning gorgeous shades of yellow, orange and red, make this tree a stunning addition to the Rhododendron Walk. What’s more, the fallen leaves emit a delicious scent of burnt sugar or candy floss when crushed, appealing to adults and children alike. Originally from Japan and China, it is traditionally harvested for its timber, which is used for furniture and interior woodwork. In its native habitat it can grow to an impressive 45 meters (147ft), which makes it the tallest deciduous tree in Japan. However, in Britain it rarely reaches more than 14m (45ft), and could be feasibly planted as a handsome specimen tree.
