| Chinese Parasol Tree | |
|---|---|
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| (unranked): | Angiosperms |
| (unranked): | Eudicots |
| (unranked): | Rosids |
| Order: | Malvales |
| Family: | Malvaceae |
| Genus: | Firmiana |
| Species: | F. simplex |
| Binomial name | |
| Firmiana simplex (L.) W.F.Wight[1] |
|
| Synonyms | |
|
Hibiscus collinus Roxb. |
|
Firmiana simplex, commonly known as the Chinese parasol tree or wutong (Chinese: 梧桐; pinyin: wútóng) is an ornamental plant or tree of the cacao, or chocolate, of the family Sterculiaceae of the order Malvales, native to Asia. It grows to a height of 12 m (40 feet). It has alternate, deciduous leaves up to 30 cm (12 inches) across and small greenish white flowers that are borne in clusters. It is grown as an ornamental in warm regions of North America.
Recent publications mention the species as an aggressive and invasive weed in the warmer parts of North America. They urge its removal and give instructions for drastic measures, including destruction of nursery stock. The plant is self-fertile and its seeds spread readily, especially along watercourses, and they germinate and grow rapidly. They compete effectively, smothering many other species.[2]
Due to its superior sonic properties, the wood is used for the soundboards of several Chinese instruments, including the guqin and guzheng.
According to an article in the journal Nature of 1884, the leaves of Sterculia platanifolia were dried for smoking;[3] the reason for for smoking it was not given, but another source simply says that it was used as a substitute for tobacco.[1][2]