Dear Christine, yes Steve Leonard has put a theory forward that it is a lost species! Probably down to a Scottish Nurseryman called J. Lyon. But where exactly he worked is unknown as his work is vauge. However they are hoping that one day one of J. Lyon's plants will turn up in a lost garden or Arboretum somewhere. that of J Lyon was involved in the pre Victorian times account for its varying flower colour.
A lot more research is needed. But I am happy to say some Hamamelis ovalis and another one called "Quasimodo" which was found at the same time as H. ovalis have reached commercial Horticulturist now.
You have to know where though!
Neil.
Thanks for being interested, I find it fascinating!
