The Franklinia alatamaha, commonly known as the Franklin tree, is a rare flowering plant in the tea family (Theaceae). It is known for its beautiful, camellia-like white flowers and glossy green leaves that turn vibrant shades of red, orange, and purple in the fall. Here are some key points about the Franklin tree:
- Discovery and Naming: The Franklin tree was discovered by John and William Bartram along the Altamaha River in Georgia in the 1760s. They named the tree in honor of their friend Benjamin Franklin.
- Habitat and Extinction in the Wild: The Franklin tree was last observed in the wild in 1803 and is considered extinct in its natural habitat. All known specimens today are descendants of the seeds collected by the Bartrams and propagated in cultivation.
- Appearance: The Franklin tree can grow to about 10-20 feet tall. It has large, fragrant, white flowers with yellow stamens that bloom in late summer to early fall. Its leaves are dark green, turning to striking fall colors.
- Cultivation: The Franklin tree is cultivated for ornamental purposes and can be grown in USDA hardiness zones 5-8. It prefers well-drained, acidic soil and a location with full sun to partial shade. The tree is also known for its sensitivity to soil and moisture conditions, making it somewhat challenging to grow.
- Significance: The Franklin tree is valued for its historical significance and beauty. It represents a successful conservation effort through cultivation, despite its extinction in the wild.
- Conservation: Efforts to grow and maintain Franklin trees continue in botanical gardens and arboretums, ensuring that this unique species survives for future generations to appreciate.
The Franklin tree remains a symbol of botanical history and the importance of plant conservation.