Loropetalum chinense

Loropetalum chinense is commonly known as loropetalum, Chinese fringe flower and strap flower. Two forms of L. chinense exist; a white- (to pale-yellow-) flowering green-leafed variety and a pink-flowering variety with leaves varying from bronze-red when new to olive-green or burgundy when mature, depending on selection and growing conditions. They are evergreen with branches forming horizontal layers. The leaves are alternately arranged, ovate 2.5 to 5 cm (1 to 2 in) long by 2.5 cm (1 in) wide, and have a slightly abrasive feel. L. chinense grows best in fertile, slightly acidic soil in full sun for deepest foliage colour and is hardy down to -15 degrees celsius (5 degrees fahrenheit). It is a popular ornamental plant, grown for its prolific clusters of flowers and (in the case of the pink flowering variety) deeply coloured foliage that may contain various green, copper, purple and red tones. The leaves, flowers and roots of L. chinense (Chinese: 檵木; pinyin: jìmù) are all used in traditional Chinese medicine.