Sultan’s parasol

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English

Firmiana simplex (L.) W. Wight © Flora of China

Firmiana simplex (L.) W. Wight © C. Laroque

Botanical classification

Firmiana simplex (L.) W. Wight

Order:

Malvales

Family:

Sterculiaceae

Synonyms:

Firmiana platanifolia R. Br.

Hibiscus simplex L.

Sterculia platanifolia L. f.

Sterculia urens Roxb.

Plant growing area

China (Anhui, Fujian, Guangdong, Guangxi, Guizhou, Hainan, Hubei, Hunan, Jiangsu, Jiangxi, Shaanxi, Shandong, Shanxi, Sichuan, Yunnan, Zhejiang), Japan,Taiwan.

Widely cultivated in China.

Use area in the manufacture of paper

China, Japan.

Japan:

Shikoku (Kochi and Ehime prefectures).

Plant cultivation and use

Fimiana simplex is a deciduous tree up to 16m high.

The wood is used in the manufacture of musical instruments in China. Its leaves are used as a substitute to tobacco.

A mucilage is extracted from the bark which is used as formation aid in paper making. This viscous material is added to the pulp to increase its viscosity and thus delay the settling of fibers in the tank. In addition, the mucilage allows a better dispersion of the long fibers.

Vernacular names

Chinese

Qing tong	青桐
Taimeo
Wu tong	梧桐

Japanese

Aogiri	あおぎり , アオギリ

Korean

Byeogodong	벽오동

French

Parasol chinois
Sterculier à feuilles de platane

English

Chinese parasol tree
Japanese varnish-tree
Phoenix-tree

English

Sultan’s parasol

Used part of the plant:

Bark

Use for paper making:

Formation aid

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Sultan’s parasol

Firmiana simplex (L.) W. Wight