General Informations
Firmiana simplex, commonly known as the Chinese parasol tree, Chinese parasoltree, or wutong, is an ornamental plant of tree size that has recently been assigned to the family Malvaceae and was formerly the family Sterculiaceae in the order Malvales, and is native to Asia. It grows up to 16 m (52 ft) tall.
Due to its superior sonic properties, the wood is used for the soundboards of several Chinese instruments, including the guqin and guzheng.
According to an article in the journal Nature of 1884, the leaves of Sterculia platanifolia were dried for smoking; the reason for smoking it was not given, but another source simply says that it was used as a substitute for tobacco.
The roasted seeds have reportedly been used to make into a tea.
