694 



China Parasol Tree 



corolla. The stamens, springing from the calyx-tube, are united into a broad 

 column with about 15 anthers. The ovary is composed of 5 carpels, each having 

 a more or less lobed stigma. The fruit is a leathery capsule which opens before 

 maturity into 5 distinct foUicles 6 to 9 cm. long, 3 to 3.5 cm. wide, veiny and hairy, 

 supported by stalks about 2 cm. long and widely spreading, with i to 3 globular 

 seeds about 6 mm. in diameter exposed on each inner margin. 



Fig. 644. — China Parasol Tree. 



The wood is very soft, white, and very light in weight. The bast of the young 

 twigs is used for fiber and the seeds are used in Chinese medicine. In this country 

 it has been planted for ornament and shade, and is hardy as far north as Wash-^ 

 ington, D. C. There are about 10 other species, nearly all Asiatic, this one being 

 the type. The genus was named in honor of Karl Joseph Firmian, who was 

 Governor-General of Lombardy about 1782. 



