Monkey Hand tree
Chiranthodendron pentadactylon

Location: Monticeto Drive
Park: Rancho Arroyo Park
District: Niles
Native to: N. America
Tree type: flowering
Leaf retention: evergreen

Comments: Broadleaf evergreen tree native to Mexico and Guatemala. Broad ovate leaves with three or more apeces, dark purple-red tulip shaped flowers with unusual anthors that project upward and look like an upturned hand. A narrow spreading tree to 40'. It is claimed that this species was restricted to a single tree by the pre-Colombian Indians of Central Mexico. This tree is pollinated by bats--and there are bats in Niles... The flower of this species is stunning, and well worth seeing.

Links to additional information on this tree species:  Link   Link

To prevent the transfer of disease and other considerations, do not touch or take samples from the specimen tree or any other plants on the property.

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Illustration by Hugh Danaher