These are the fruiting bodies of the Chinese Parasol (Firmiana simplex) tree. The tree is in the chocolate family, so I added a layer (multiply) to emphasize the color of the bracts. The structure of the fruiting body is very interesting, fairly unique among plants. The fruit are borne along the margins of the bracts. When ripe, the bract falls off the twig, spinning like a propeller to the ground.
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