This seldom grown tree in the Woodland Garden is full of attractive seed pods.
Originally known as Euodia daniellii, Tetradium daniellii is a member of the citrus family Rutaceae. It originates from China and Korea, and was first described by the British surgeon William Daniell in the 1860’s , and introduced to Kew in 1907. It is a small tree reaching 20m in height, and having pinnate leaves with 7-11 leaflets. Scented white flowers of 3-4mm are borne in corymbs, and these are highly attractive to bees, hence the common name bee bee tree. Small red seed pods, each with a distinct hooked beak, are produced in late summer. When ripe these will split to reveal two glossy black seeds, which are a favourite with birds.