Common Name: Chinese Parasol Tree

General Information

Firmiana simplex is a deciduous tree with a dense crown; it can grow up to 20 metres tall[, ].
The tree has a number of uses including edible seeds, medicinal properties, timber and source of fibre. It was commonly planted in the gardens of scholars and poets in China, who made it their emblem[]. It is very popular as a street tree in Japan and is widely grown as an ornamental[, ].

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

, ,

Range

E. Asia - southern and eastern China (Shaanxi to Shandong, south to Yunnan, Guangdong and Hainan), central and southern Japan

Habitat

Seaside thickets in Japan[]. Along the sides of roads at low elevations[].

Properties

Edibility Rating
Medicinal Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Deciduous Tree
Height	12.00 m
Cultivation Status	Ornamental, Wild

Cultivation Details

Firmiana simplex is native from the warm temperate zone to the tropics in southern China and Japan. It is not a very cold-hardy plant, being able to tolerate short periods with temperatures down to around -8°c when fully dormant[, 200.
Prefers a good sandy loam[]. Requires a well-drained but moisture-retentive fertile soil in full sun or light shade[].
The tree has large leaves (up to 30cm long and wide) and casts a heavy shade[].

Edible Uses

Seed - roasted[, ]. An oily texture[].

Medicinal

The bark is astringent. It is used to make a soothing wash for treating haemorrhoids[].

The seed is antiphlogistic, expectorant and refrigerant[]. A juice made from the crushed seeds is applied to mouth ulcers in children[].

A decoction of the roots is used to reduce swellings[].

A lotion of the leaves and fibre is used to make a soothing application in the treatment of carbuncles, haemorrhoids and sores[].

Other Uses

A fibre is obtained by retting the bark[, ]. It is used for coarse cordage[] and cloth[].

A hair wash is made from the leaves and fibre[].
A juice made from the crushed seeds is applied to the hair. It is said to make grey hairs fall out and the hair to regrow black[].

An extract of the leaves and stems is used as an ingredient in commercial cosmetic preparations as a skin conditioner[].
An extract of the flowers, leaves and seeds is used as an ingredient in commercial cosmetic preparations as a skin conditioner[].

The wood is used for making furniture, and is considered to be very good for coffins[, , ].

Propagation

Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in a warm greenhouse[]. The stored seed can be sown in the early spring in a greenhouse[] and usually germinates within 2 months[]. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for at least their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts. Consider giving the plants some protection from the cold for at least their first winter outdoors.