Sapindaceae

Koelreuteria elegans subsp. formosana

Common Names: Chinese rain tree

Plant Form: Tree. Size: Up to 25 m tall, usually 5-12 m. Stem: Greyish brown, lighter and smooth when young, developing ridges with age. Leaves: Opposite sided on stalks each with 8-17 leaflets 5-10 cm long which are oval or egg-shaped. Flowers: Large clusters of numerous small bright yellow flowers at the tips of branches. Usually each with 4 or 5 petals, but sometimes 6. Fruit and Seeds: Inflated oval-shaped papery capsule which splits into 3 segments. Light to deep reddish-pink. Up to 5 cm long and in large drooping clusters. Contain small black round seeds. Habitat: Urban bushland, roadsides, gullies, waste areas, parks, riparian areas. Distinguishing Features: Very similar to Koelreuteria paniculata (also known as Golden rain tree) but has slightly smaller leaves and oval-shaped rather than elongated fruit.