Sterculia subnobilis Hsue

This species is similar to Sterculia monosperma.

Trees. Branchlets minutely pubescent. Petiole 2-5 cm, nearly glabrous; leaf blade elliptic, 17-28 × 8-13 cm, both surfaces glabrous, or abaxially sparsely pubescent when young, basal veins 5, lateral veins 6-9 on each side of midrib, base nearly rounded or ± cordate, apex obtusely acute. Inflorescence paniculate, axillary, lax, 10-18 cm, minutely hairy. Pedicels slender, ca. 1 cm. Calyx green at first, becoming red later, up to 18 mm in diam., divided nearly to base, both surfaces sparsely puberulent, lobes linear-lanceolate, ca. 8 mm, spreading outward, margins ciliate, apex long acuminate. Male flowers: androgynophore glabrous. Anthers ca. 15. Female flowers: ovary shortly stipitate, globose, tomentose with yellow-brown hairs. Style curved downward, hairy. Fruit not seen. Fl. Apr.

S Guangdong, Guangxi (Fusui).

● Slopes; 1000-1100 m.