About Firmiana simplex (L.) W.Wight
Firmiana simplex (L.) W.Wight produces alternate, deciduous leaves that measure 15–30 cm (6–12 in) across. These leaves are palmately lobed, with either three or five lobes per leaf. Its small, fragrant greenish-white flowers grow in large inflorescences. The fragrance of flowering individuals of this species varies with weather and time of day, featuring a lemony base scent with additional notes of citronella and chocolate. Bees pollinate the flowers of this species. Each flower produces up to five pairs of seedpods; each seedpod resembles a pair of brown ovate leaves, with seeds growing along the edges of the structure. Due to its favorable sonic properties, the wood of Firmiana simplex is used to make soundboards for several Chinese instruments, including the guqin and guzheng. Roasted seeds from this species have reportedly been used to make tea. The Taivoan people living in the Nanzixian River basin of Taiwan harvest the tough bark from 2–3-year-old Firmiana simplex trees. After soaking the bark in the river for approximately one month, they remove the rotted outer bark and twist the remaining strong fibers into ropes. These ropes are used for making traps and for other binding tasks, most notably for constructing wild boar traps, where the ropes' robust structure prevents captured boars from escaping.
