Greek cheimon—winter, anthos—flower.

Deciduous or evergreen shrubs. Leaves opposite, entire. Flowers before the leaves, yellow, axillary. Sepals and petals many, similar. Stamens 5-6 on floral tube; June-July. Fruit of many achenes enclosed in the floral tube that is to 5 cm long and with a constricted mouth, Oct-Nov.

Cuttings but most effective by layering.

4 species from S and E China (widely cultivated in China and Japan).

Nicely (1965).

Source: Spencer, R. (1997). Calycanthaceae. In: Spencer, R.. Horticultural Flora of South-eastern Australia. Volume 2. Flowering plants. Dicotyledons. Part 1. The identification of garden and cultivated plants. University of New South Wales Press.