About Dais cotinifolia L.
Dais cotinifolia L. is a small tree that grows up to 6 meters tall in its natural form, with a rounded, leafy crown. When cultivated, it reaches only 2 to 3 meters in height and spread in the UK, and can grow up to 4 meters tall in Australia. It produces small, ovate-oblong, glossy leaves that grow up to 5 centimeters long. It remains evergreen in mild climates and becomes deciduous in cool climates. Flowering occurs in spring or summer, when it produces fragrant star-shaped flowers in rose-lilac or pink shades, arranged in round clusters 8 centimeters across. Its bark is tough and fibrous, and its young branchlets are difficult to break. This species is used as an ornamental plant in gardens, and can be grown as a small tree or a multi-stemmed shrub. It prefers full sun, and grows best in fertile, well-drained soils. Fibers obtained from its bark are strong enough to be used as thread.
