An uncommonly planted ornamental tree in the Chocolate family, Chinese Parasoltree rarely escapes from cultivation. With large tropical-looking leaves and unique greenish-white bark, it isn't likely to be mistaken for any other tree in North Carolina. The photos here are of a planted specimen at the Coker Arboretum on the campus of the University of North Carolina.

Chapel Hill, NC 9/9/06.

The persistent fruit pods open like petals, revealing the seeds hanging inside.

Chapel Hill, NC 9/9/06.

Trees are frequently multi-trunked.

Chapel Hill, NC 9/9/06.

The distinctive chalky-white bark has vertical streaks of green and many warty lenticels.

Chapel Hill, NC 9/9/06.