Description
Chionanthus retusus (scientific name: Chionanthus retusus Lindl.et Paxt.): It is a plant belonging to the genus Fringe of the Oleaceae family. It is a deciduous shrub or small tree. pleasant. Fruits in autumn, oval-shaped drupe, blue-black. From a closer look, the leaves of the fringe tree are single-leaf opposite, with elliptical or oblong leaves, whole, and nearly leathery. Dioecious, panicles are born at the top of lateral branches; corolla white, 4-lobed, lobes linear oblanceolate, male flowers with 2 stamens, female flowers with 2-lobed stigmas. Flowering period from March to June, fruiting period from June to November.
Since the small flowers of the fringe tree are budding, their appearance, size, and color are similar to those of glutinous rice, and the flowers and young leaves can make tea, so it is also called glutinous rice flower or glutinous rice tea. It is suitable for planting around buildings, poolsides and sidewalks in parks. Can be potted to make pile scenery. The young leaves can be used as a beverage instead of tea. The fruit is rich in oil and can be squeezed for industrial use. The wood is firm and meticulous, and can be used to make utensils. It is also the rootstock of the precious flower Jin Gui. The buds and leaves of the fringed tree also have medicinal value.
