Forsythia

Forsythia , /fo:r‘saIthi@/ is a genus of flowering plants in the olive family Oleaceae. There are about 11 species, mostly native to eastern Asia, but one native to southeastern Europe. Forsythia – also one of the plant’s common names – is named after William Forsyth.

Description

Forsythia are deciduous shrubs typically growing to a height of 1-3 m (3 ft 3 in-9 ft 10 in) and, rarely, up to 6 m (20 ft) with rough grey-brown bark. The leaves are borne oppositely and are usually simple, though sometimes trifoliate with a basal pair of small leaflets; they range between 2 and 10 cm (0.79 and 3.94 in) in length and, rarely, up to 15 cm (5.9 in), with a margin that is serrated or entire (smooth). Depending on the species, twigs can be hollowed or chambered.

The flowers are produced in the early spring before the leaves, bright yellow with a deeply four-lobed flower, the petals joined only at the base. These become pendent in rainy weather thus shielding the reproductive parts.
The fruit is a dry capsule, containing several winged seeds.

Forsythia flowers can produce lactose, according to a lot of research. Lactose is very rarely established in other natural sources except milk. However, the presence of lactose could not be confirmed.

Named after William Forsyth (1737-1804), the genus was named for the Scottish botanist and founder of Royal Horticultural Society.