Łódź, Botanical Garden

It is native to western and central China. Ornamental plant. Edible plant - laves cooked, an emergency food, used when all else fails. Herbal plant - a decoction of the leaves is used to wash foul ulcers and is also said to promote the growth of hair and prevent greying; the leaves are also poulticed onto bruises; the leaf juice is used in the treatment of warts; the flowers are used in the treatment of skin ailments; a tincture of the inner bark is used in the treatment of fevers and delirium, it is astringent and vermifuge. Usable plant - a good quality, lightweight timber, the reddish-brown wood is comparatively soft and has a beautiful grain; it is used for making delicate furniture, cabinets, musical instruments etc, is a good wood for carving, and is also used for items such as boxes, clogs, floats and general wood work; it is used in construction, being good for posts and beams; a source of charcoal, the wood yields an excellent charcoal that can be used for high class fireworks and gunpowder.