Wutong
Revision as of 07:24, 24 July 2013 by (username removed)
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;
Other Properties
Hight to 5-10 m.
Hazards and Safety
This tree is considered an invasive species in Japan.
Authority
- External source or communication Comment: MFA Musical Instruments book
- Website address 1 Comment: Plants for a Future at http://www.ibiblio.org/pfaf/cgi-bin/arr_html?Firmiana+simplex&CAN=LATIND
- Website address 2 Comment: Melody of China athttp://www.melodyofchina.com/06instruments/guzheng.html