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.

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

Aspecto

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.

ReinoPlantaeFiloTracheophytaClaseMagnoliopsidaOrdenMalvalesFamiliaMalvaceaeGéneroFirmiana

Chinese Parasol Tree

Categoría

Plantas

Rareza

Common

Peligro

1/5 · Muy bajo

Snaps

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Datos interesantes

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.

Habilidades especiales

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.

Medidas y detalles

Longitud: 1000+ cm

Dieta y alimentación

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.

Alimentos principales

Sunlight
Carbon dioxide
Water
Soil minerals

Conexiones ecológicas

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.

Rasgos

Aún no hay insignias de rasgos asignadas a este objeto.

También conocido como

Todavía no hay alias listados.

Colecciones

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Seguridad

Peligro

1/5 · Muy bajo

Todavía no hay notas especiales de seguridad.

Preguntas frecuentes

¿Cómo identificar a Chinese Parasol Tree?

La forma más fácil de identificar a Chinese Parasol Tree es usar la aplicación de identificación de naturaleza Snappit.

¿Cuál es el longitud de Chinese Parasol Tree?

1000+ cm

¿Qué come 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.

¿Dónde se encuentra normalmente Chinese Parasol Tree?

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