Species in the genus Hamamelis:

Hamamelis japonica / Mansaku マンサク

Hamamelis japonica is a deciduous small- tree or shrub, generally 2-5m in height, with gray barks, found in somewhat dry slopes or forests on ridges in mountainous regions. Leaves are alternate, 5-10cm long, 4-7cm wide, diamond-like orbicular to broad oval; asymmetrical and upper halves are triangular, with margins coarsely undulate. Flowers bloom before leaves develop. The flowers set themselves in bundles on branch tips that have emerged from the axils of the previous year's branches. Petals are 4 in number, linear, approximately 2cm long, and sepals 4, oval, and generally dark purple. Bloom time: March-April.