[2][3] It is a large tree, up to 20–30 metres (66–98 ft) tall.

[4] It is only found in eastern and central China (in Anhui, Fujian, Gansu, Guizhou, Hubei, SE Jiangsu, Jiangxi, S Shaanxi, Sichuan, and Zhejiang provinces).

It is becoming rare due to habitat loss and over-harvesting.

The natural habitat of this species is in low-elevation broadleaved forest.

[5] This plant is named after Alexander Hosie, the British consul-general to China who amassed large botanical collections in China and subsequently sent to Kew Gardens, London.