Platycarya

Platycarya is a genus of trees in the family Juglandaceae, commonly known as the screw-fist trees. The genus contains only one living species, Platycarya strobilacea, native to East Asia, including China, Korea, and Japan. Fossil evidence suggests a wider distribution in the past.

Platycarya strobilacea is a small to medium-sized deciduous tree that typically grows to a height of 10-20 meters. It is characterized by its pinnately compound leaves, which are typically 20-40 cm long and have numerous small, ovate leaflets. The most distinctive feature of the tree is its fruit, which is a small, woody, cone-like structure that resembles a hop cone or a strobilus, hence the species name. These fruits are composed of overlapping bracts, giving them a scaly appearance.

The tree is often cultivated for its ornamental value, particularly for its attractive foliage and unique fruits. In some regions, its wood has been used for furniture and other woodworking purposes, although it is not a major timber species. Traditional medicinal uses of various parts of the plant have been reported in some Asian countries. The genus name Platycarya derives from the Greek words "platys" (wide) and "karyon" (nut), referring to the flattened or wide appearance of its fruit.