Wutong

Chinese lute
MFA# 17.2049

Description

A small deciduous tree (Firmiana platanifolia) native to the mild, temperate zones in China. Wutong trees are cultivated for wood and fibers. The fibers, obtained from retting the bark, are used for cordage and cloth. The soft, lightweight, resonant wood traditionally used for soundboards in Asian musical instruments. It has also been used for making furniture and coffins.

Synonyms and Related Terms

Firmiana platanifolia; Firmiana simplex; Chinese parasol tree;

Wutong tree Firmiana platanifolia

Physical and Chemical Properties

Height to 5-10 m.

Risks

This tree is considered an invasive species in Japan.

Resources and Citations

• MFA Musical Instruments book

• Plants for a Future at http://www.ibiblio.org/pfaf/cgi-bin/arr_html?Firmiana+simplex&CAN=LATIND

• Melody of China athttp://www.melodyofchina.com/06instruments/guzheng.html