Chinese Parasol Tree

firmiana simplex

The Chinese Parasol Tree (Firmiana simplex) is an ornamental deciduous tree renowned for its smooth, bright green bark and massive, maple-like leaves that resemble parasols. Native to East Asia, it has been cultivated for centuries in temple gardens and urban landscapes. Its rapid growth and dramatic tropical appearance make it a favorite for shade-seekers, though in some regions outside its native range, it can spread vigorously and is classified as an opportunistic weed. During mid-summer, it erupts in large, airy clusters of yellow-green flowers, followed by unique seedpods that open into leaf-like structures before dropping, creating an enchanting spectacle throughout the seasons.

Lebensraum: Typically found in lowland valleys, mountain slopes, riparian corridors, and widely planted in urban parks and residential gardens.

Aussehen

This medium-sized deciduous tree typically grows up to 15 meters tall, instantly recognizable by its unusually smooth, lime-green bark that remains green even as the tree matures. Its alternate, palmately lobed leaves are immense, spanning up to 30 centimeters across, with 3 to 5 pointed lobes. In summer, it produces terminal panicles of tiny, petalless, lemon-yellow flowers. The subsequent seedpods are paper-like and split into four or five leaf-like sections, each bearing small, round, pea-sized seeds along their margins.

ReichPlantaeStammTracheophytaKlasseMagnoliopsidaOrdnungMalvalesFamilieMalvaceaeGattungFirmiana

Chinese Parasol Tree

Kategorie

Pflanzen

Seltenheit

Common

Gefahr

1/5 · Sehr gering

Snaps

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Interessante Fakten

In Chinese mythology, the legendary Phoenix (Fenghuang) is said to only perch upon the branches of the Chinese Parasol Tree, symbolizing peace and prosperity.

Its wood is highly resonant and has been traditionally used in China to construct the soundboards of classical stringed instruments like the guqin and guzheng.

The seeds of the tree are rich in oil and can be roasted to create a popular beverage that tastes remarkably similar to coffee.

Besondere Fähigkeiten

The smooth green bark contains active chlorophyll, allowing the tree to photosynthesize and generate energy even during winter when it is completely leafless.

Its seed capsules split open into light, papery, leaf-like sails that easily catch the wind, ensuring the seeds travel far from the parent tree.

It possesses a vigorous root system and the ability to sprout quickly from stumps, allowing it to recover rapidly from physical damage.

Maße und Details

Länge: 1000+ cm

Ernährung und Fütterung

Like all green plants, the Chinese Parasol Tree produces its own food through photosynthesis, utilizing sunlight, carbon dioxide, water, and essential nutrients drawn from the soil.

Hauptnahrung

Sunlight
Carbon dioxide
Water
Soil minerals

Ökologische Zusammenhänge

eaten by

Japanese Beetle

Popillia japonica

The leaves are heavily browsed by Japanese Beetle adults, causing skeletonization.

mutualism

Western Honey Bee

Apis mellifera

The showy, fragrant flowers attract honey bees for nectar and pollen collection.

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Sicherheit

Gefahr

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Häufig gestellte Fragen

Wie identifiziert man Chinese Parasol Tree?

Der einfachste Weg, Chinese Parasol Tree zu bestimmen, ist die Verwendung der Naturführer-App Snappit.

Was ist der/die/das länge von Chinese Parasol Tree?

1000+ cm

Was frisst Chinese Parasol Tree?

Like all green plants, the Chinese Parasol Tree produces its own food through photosynthesis, utilizing sunlight, carbon dioxide, water, and essential nutrients drawn from the soil.

Wo findet man Chinese Parasol Tree normalerweise?

Typically found in lowland valleys, mountain slopes, riparian corridors, and widely planted in urban parks and residential gardens.