Xanthoceras Bunge (1834), in the family Sapindaceae, contains 1 species, X. sorbifolium Bunge from China. Description Trees to 8m, or shrubs. The leaves are deciduous, alternate, pinnate with 9–17 toothed leaflets including a terminal leaflet. The flowers are unisexual, in short spikes, the terminal flowers usually female, the lower flowers male. Sepals 5; petals 5, white, at first veined yellowish or greenish at the base, later becoming deep red. Stamens 8, about as long as the petals. Floral disc with horn-like appendages. Ovary superior, with 3 cells and a short, thick style. Pollination is presumed to be by bees. The fruits are capsules with several nut-like seeds in each cell. Key Recognition Features The pinnate leaves and spikes of white flowers with the petals deep red at the base. Evolution and Relationships As with so many of the genera of the Sapindaceae, Xanthoceras is a rather isolated genus. It is interesting that the colour change of the petals is also seen in Aesculus. Ecology and Geography On dry hills in northern China. Comment The seeds are said to be edible. This is a very pretty shrub, but needs warm summers to form the buds for the following spring, and is susceptible to damage by late frosts in spring. It was introduced to Paris by Père David in 1866. | 
