maackia

Maackia is a genus of flowering plants in the pea family, Fabaceae. It is native to eastern Asia, primarily China and Japan. The genus contains several species, most notably Maackia amurensis, also known as Amur maackia or Amur silktree. These are typically small to medium-sized deciduous trees or shrubs.

Plants in the genus Maackia are characterized by their pinnately compound leaves, which means the leaves are made up of several smaller leaflets arranged along a central stem. Their flowers are usually white or creamy white and arranged in upright clusters called racemes. These flowers are often fragrant and attract pollinators. After flowering, they produce small, flat pods containing seeds.

Maackia amurensis is the most widely cultivated species. It is known for its attractive foliage, ornamental flowers, and resistance to urban pollution, making it a suitable choice for landscaping in cities. The wood of Maackia species has also been used for various purposes historically. The genus is named in honor of the Russian botanist Carl Ivanovich Maack.