A Florida friend asked me if I could help her id a tree that she saw while walking in the woods. I am attaching a couple of pictures. If anyone can help, I'd appreciate it.

Looks like it is a hibiscus ~~~ grown into a tree form & quite old.

Sally, first glance I was thinking Xanthoceras sorbifolium (Yellowhorn) but the foliage in the 2nd photo definitely doesn't fit. Is it possible that the leaves showing are from a smaller shrub growing up through the tree?

could be, but the hibiscus usually has a long stamen, and this flower does not appear to have that.

You know, now that I look a lot closer at the photo, it does look like the leaves AND the flowers are coming from a vine that is climbing in and around the tree. Any ideas now???

OK, she says that there was no vine growing around the tree, that the leaves and flowers shown grew directly on the tree. She said most of the flowers and leaves were too high on the tree for them to reach so she picked up the blossoms off the ground. Ideas????

Could it be an almond?

Looks like a flowering almond tree to me, too.

I don't think almond blossoms are that big??

Vernicia fordii ..

http://www.southeasternflora.c...

Known as Tung Oil Tree ..

http://www.floridanature.org/s...

Another great ID Janet.

Yes!

How does she do that???????

Karen

I agree, Tung Tree, Tung Oil Tree: http://www.floridata.com/ref/a...

She has the GIFT

I agree! Janet is wonderful at identifying plants of all kinds!! We'd be lost without her!

Janet, you never cease to amaze me!

You must have a doctorate in biology? and if so, what branch? You know bugs and plants both!

Karen

kqcrna said:Janet, you never cease to amaze me!

You must have a doctorate in biology? and if so, what branch? You know bugs and plants both!

Karen

None of those, just a knack for searching. Or... the... GIFT!

I was once told by a well-known psychic that I was a little psychic too, but he didn't need to tell me that as I read his mind.

You are amazing.

Karen

Awesome, Janet!