Polylepis australis

An exceptional small tree from N. Argentina; a member of the Rose family, closely related to Acaena, and with similar pinnate, sea-green foliage, but grows into a small tree eventually, with truly amazing overcooked filo-pastry bark, in shades of chestnut to golden-brown. Some leaves turn yellow in autumn with the rest remaining for the winter. Perfectly hardy in most areas of the UK and suited to most soils, even heavy clay.