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Dipelta

Family

Caprifoliaceae

Four species belonging to this genus are known, three of which are in cultivation. They are deciduous shrubs, exclusively Chinese, and are allied to Diervilla and Weigela, which they resemble in shape of corolla. The most distinctive feature of the dipeltas is the number of bracts at the base of the ovary, which persist, grow, and ultimately form dry disk-like wings to the fruit, similar in texture to the wings on elm seed. Two of them are much larger than the others, and being attached by their centres to the fruit have the shield-like appearance to which the generic name refers. Leaves opposite. The following species are promising garden shrubs, more especially D. floribunda. They like an open, moist, loamy soil, and can be increased by cuttings of half-ripened growths.

Species articles