Daphniphyllum himalayense subsp. macropodum

Daphniphyllum himalayense subsp. macropodum is a large evergreen bush with a rounded and compact habit, somewhat resembling a rhododendron. It has large leaves that are pinkish-fuchsia during the bud burst period and then turn dark green. Its unusual spring flowering occurs in clusters of apetalous flowers, which differ depending on the plant's sex: pink to red on male plants and green on female plants. This rare but easily cultivated species prefers humus-bearing, neutral to acidic soil, and sunny but not scorching exposures.

Originating from China, Daphniphyllum himalayense is a heathland bush with a rounded, dense, and ramified habit. The macropodum subspecies can reach up to 5m (16ft) in height at maturity. Its growth is rather slow; at the age of 10, it will measure 3 or 4m (10 or 13ft) in all directions. Its dark green evergreen leaves are simple and alternate with revolute edges, and can reach 20cm (8in) in length. They are bluish on the underside. The leaves resemble those of rhododendron. Juvenile leaves are tinted with a pinkish-fuchsia hue. Daphniphyllum offers a spring flowering every year in May-June. It is a dioecious tree, meaning there are male and female individuals. The flowers are clustered on fuchsia petioles and appear in the axils of the leaves. The flowers are small and apetalous and bear a characteristic scent. On male trees, they are a beautiful pink-purple, while on female trees, they are green. When both sexes are present, seeds are formed. Its deep blackish-purple berries are very decorative.

Daphniphyllum himalayense subsp. macropodum is not commonly found in cultivation, although it is no more difficult to acclimatise than a rhododendron. It thrives in bright, semi-shaded conditions. With its changing foliage, it brings a touch of exoticism to ericaceous beds and informal hedges in acidic soil. It pairs well with magnolias, michelias, daphnes, Japanese maples, and deciduous azaleas. Ferns or astilbes can be planted at their base.