Chinese parasol tree
Firmiana simplex (L.) W. Wight
(Sterculiaceae)

Firmiana simplex is a medium-sized to large tree that is native to China.  Firmiana is only sparingly naturalized in the Arkansas flora.  However, it does occur in scattered locations throughout the southeastern US from eastern Texas to Florida, and north to Virginia and Maryland.  Firmiana readily self-pollinates and self-seeds, and thus a single, reproductive age tree can produce an entire colony.  This species is characterized by extremely rapid growth when young and reproduction at less than 10 years of age. 
Firmiana simplex is very similar to Aleurites fordii (tungoil tree), which is also naturalized in Arkansas.  Firmiana can easily be distinguished from Aleurites because Firmiana lacks the large red or black glands that are present at the distal portions of the petioles of Aleurites. 

Figures for Firmiana simplex:
A-F. leaves [figs. C-F show at least some of the variation in lobing that can be found (three large lobes seems to be the typical condition of mature leaves)];
G. axillary buds, which are covered in a dense indument of brown trichomes;
H-N. flowers;
O. immature fruits;
P-S. mature fruits;
T-V. bark;
W-BB. spontaneous seedlings and juveniles.

List of Naturalized Species

Home