The tree is Franklinia altamaha. It is considered extinct in the wild. I do, however, have several in my yard.
I have read that the tree was started by Bartram and name for Benjamin Franklin.
I live in western North Carolina and the nurseryman who planted the trees told me he used to sell the leaves.
Supposedly the tea is good to fight cancer.
I want to know which part of the tree is used for tea. If it is the leaves, now a beautiful orange, do I use green or orange leaves. Or the trunk.
Thanks, Jeanne