Paeonia Suffruticosa: The Tree Peony

The Paeonia suffruticosa, colloquially known as the Tree Peony, is a species of flowering plant in the family Paeoniaceae. They are native to China and are highly revered in the country, earning them the title "King of the Flowers." They have been cultivated for over a thousand years and feature prominently in traditional Chinese medicine, symbolism, and art. The Tree Peony can be found mainly in the provinces of Shaanxi, Gansu, and Sichuan in China. However, due to their popularity, they have been introduced and are thriving in gardens around the world, particularly in areas with cooler climates. Visually, Tree Peonies are perennial shrubs, unlike most peonies, which are herbaceous. They grow up to 1.5-3 meters tall, boasting large, extravagant flowers that come in various color shades such as white, pink, red, and yellow. The flowers often have a pleasant scent and can reach up to 25 centimeters in diameter when in full bloom. The leaves of the Tree Peony are deep green with a glossy finish, elegantly setting off the vibrancy of the blossoms. An interesting fact about Tree Peonies is their longevity. These plants can live up to a hundred years, given the right growing conditions. Another unique feature of the Tree Peony is its bark, which is utilized extensively in traditional Chinese medicine. It is known as "Mu Dan Pi," and is believed to have properties that can help to cool the blood and clear away toxins.