Persian ironwood

Names and Synonyms

Common Names

• Persian ironwood
• Persian witch-hazel
• parrottia

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Synonyms

• Hamamelis persica

Regional and Traditional Names

Sources: Wikidata, Catalogue of Life

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta, situated within the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae. It is classified under the order Saxifragales and the family Hamamelidaceae. Finally, it is identified by the genus Parrotia, specifically as the species Parrotia persica.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant exhibits a diverse geographical distribution across several distinct regions. In Northern Europe, it can be found growing in Great Britain. Its range extends into Central Asia, specifically within the borders of Uzbekistan. The species is also native to the Caucasus region, particularly throughout the Transcaucasus. Finally, its natural habitat includes parts of Western Asia, most notably in Iran.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Parrotia persica is characterized by its preference for temperate forest environments, where it integrates into the complex structure of the woodland ecosystem. Typically found in moist, well-drained soils, it thrives in forest settings that provide a balance of dappled sunlight and organic leaf litter, which supports its nutrient requirements. As a deciduous component of the forest canopy, its seasonal leaf senescence contributes significantly to the nutrient cycling of the forest floor, enriching the soil with organic matter. The plant's ability to tolerate varying light intensities allows it to occupy different niches within the forest, from the understory to the edges of the canopy, where it plays a role in stabilizing soil and providing microhabitats for various forest fauna.

Habitat :

forest

Morphology

The morphology of Parrotia persica is characterized by its substantial growth form, as it develops into a large, robust tree. This plant exhibits a distinct woody structure, possessing a perennial, lignified stem that provides the necessary support for its extensive canopy.

Growth form :

tree

Woodiness :

woody

Reproduction

The reproduction of Parrotia persica is primarily driven by its flowering cycle, which is characterized by a specific seasonal window. The flowering period is relatively concentrated, with the flowering start occurring in March. This phase concludes within the same month, as the flowering end also takes place in March. While the broader potential for flowering across the year is noted as variable, the specific seasonal peak for this species is centered around this early spring timeframe.

Flowering time :

Mar

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Chemicals

Parrotia persica has 1 reported phytochemicals identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include CHLOROGENIC ACID.

CHLOROGENIC ACID

1. Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)

Medicinal Uses

Parrotia persica has 1 reported medicinal uses identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include wound healing.

Most Reported Uses