Autumn can smell of toffee

16th September 2021

Cercidyphyllum japonicum, or the Katsura tree, is known for fantastic autumn colour - but the hot and dry spell with which September started has caused some leaves to fall early and without developing much colour. However a light breeze brings out the scent which gives it another common name - the toffee-apple tree. Crush the leaves in your hand and sniff the distinctive burnt sugar smell, toffee without calories.