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{{SPlantbox
{{SPlantbox
|familia=Theaceae
|familia=Theaceae
|genus=Franklinia
|genus=Franklinia
|species=alatamaha
|species=alatamaha
|common_name=Franklin tree
|common_name=Franklin tree
|usda_ref=Flora - A Gardener's Encyclopedia ISBN 0881925381
|usda_ref=Flora - A Gardener's Encyclopedia ISBN 0881925381
|max_zone=10
|max_zone=10
|image=Upload.png
|image=Franklinia alatamaha.jpg
|image_width=240
|image_width=240
|image_caption=Flower and leaves in the fall
}}
}}
'''''Franklinia''''' is a [[Monotype (biology)|monotypic]] genus in the [[Camellia sinensis|tea plant]] family, [[Theaceae]]. The sole species in this genus is a flowering tree, ''Franklinia alatamaha'', commonly called the '''Franklin tree''', and native to the [[Altamaha River]] valley in [[Georgia (U.S. state)|Georgia]] in the southeastern [[United States]].
''Franklinia alatamaha'' is a [[deciduous]] large [[shrub]] or small [[tree]] growing to {{convert|10|m|ft|abbr=on}} tall, but commonly {{convert|4.5|-|7.5|m|ft|abbr=on}}. It is commercially available for garden cultivation. It is prized for its fragrant white flowers, similar to [[camellia]] blossoms. Flowers appear mid-summer to early fall, and may last as the tree's leaves change color.
The tree has a symmetrical, somewhat pyramidal shape, with different individuals of the species forming almost identical crowns. It forms several vertical trunks close to ground level. The bark is gray with vertical white striations and has a ridged texture. The alternate, obovate leaves are up to {{convert|6|in|cm|abbr=on}} in length and turn a bright orange-red in the fall. Although difficult to transplant, once established ''Franklinia'' can live a century or more.
''Franklinia'' [[fruit]] develops slowly. The [[Capsule (fruit)|seed capsules]] require 12–14 months to mature. When ripe the 5-valved spherical capsules [[Dehiscence (botany)|split]] above and below in a unique manner. Anecdotal evidence suggests viable seed production is enhanced where two or more plants are present in close proximity.
==Cultivation==
==Cultivation==
The Franklin tree has a reputation among gardeners for being difficult to cultivate, especially in urban environments. It prefers sandy, high-acid soil, and does not tolerate compacted clay soil, excessive moisture, or any disturbance to its roots. The Franklin tree has no known pests, but it is subject to a root-rot disease and does not endure drought well.<ref>U.S. Forest Service, "Franklinia Alatamaha, Franklin-Tree," Fact Sheet ST-260, November 1993.</ref>
===Propagation===
===Propagation===
==Gallery==
==Gallery==
<gallery perrow=5>
<gallery perrow=5>
Image:Upload.png| photo 1
Image:Franklin Tree Franklinia alatamaha Leaves 3008px.JPG|Leaves
Image:Upload.png| photo 2
Image:Franklin Tree Franklinia alatamaha Trunk 2000px.JPG|Trunk bark
Image:Upload.png| photo 3
Image:Franklin Tree Franklinia alatamaha Autumn Leaf 2000px.jpg|Autumn leaves
</gallery>
</gallery>
