Tree native to China with a wide, umbrella-shaped crown and very fast growth. Leaves are oval with a pointed tip, green with a slightly hairy underside, and large, ranging from 25 to 40 cm. It blooms in April-May with fragrant, bell-shaped violet flowers gathered in upright racemes. The fruits are round, green with yellowish hues. It requires well-drained soils and prefers calcareous ones. It is used alone in gardens, or in groups in parks.