Description
Chinese Bishopwood (scientific name: Bischofia polycarpa (Levl.) Airy Shaw) is a plant of the genus Euphorbiaceae and autumn maple. Deciduous tree, up to 15 meters, diameter at breast height 50 cm, sometimes up to 1 meter; bark is brown, 6 mm thick, longitudinally cracked; grooves on the wood surface are not obvious; the crown is umbrella-shaped, with large branches obliquely extended; buds are small, slightly pointed or blunt at the top . Three compound leaves; petiole 9-13.5 cm long; terminal lobules are usually larger than the two sides. The flowers are dioecious and open at the same time as the leaves in spring to form a raceme; the inflorescence is usually born on the lower part of the new branch. The fruit is berry-shaped, spherical, 5-7 mm in diameter, brownish red when mature. Flowering period is April-May, fruit period is October-November.
It is distributed in the Qinling Mountains and the Huaihe River Basin in China to the north of Fujian and Guangdong. It is born in mountain forests or plains below 1000 meters above sea level. It is common in the plains of the middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze River or rural areas.
Chongyang wood is a good garden shade and street tree species. Chongyang wood has its own unique advantages in soil and water conservation. The leaves of Chongyang wood are wide, flat, and hard to shake in the wind. The rough and hairy leaves of plants can absorb a lot of dust. Wood is a good precious material for construction, shipbuilding, vehicles, furniture, etc. It often replaces red sandalwood to make valuable wooden furniture. The whole body of Chongyang wood is a treasure. Its roots and leaves can be used as medicine, which can promote qi and blood circulation, reduce swelling and detoxification; the pulp can be wined; the oil content of the seeds is up to 30%, the oil is scented, and it can be eaten. It can also be used as lubricating oil and soap oil; The branches and leaves are resistant to sulfur dioxide.
