It repels insects and prevents disease, and can even rival redwood in reputation. This tree is a treasure from head to toe, yet it is overlooked.
Every spring, many wild vegetables sprout in rural areas of China, and villagers have a habit of eating wild vegetables. Some wild vegetables grow in the ground, some grow on trees, and there are many kinds. There is one tree that is a treasure from head to toe. Its tender leaves have a rich aroma and a mellow taste when eaten, and many people like to eat them. Moreover, this wild vegetable has a relatively short harvest window, so its price is also relatively high. This tree not only has delicious tender leaves, but its wood can also repel insects and prevent disease. It is as famous as redwood and has long been known as the "King of a Hundred Woods"!
The name of this tree is the Chinese toon tree (Toona sinensis). Every spring, the Chinese toon tree sends out tender shoots, and people begin to pick them. People only see the preciousness of the tender leaves, but picking the tender shoots inhibits the tree's growth, so most Chinese toon trees do not grow tall. In fact, once the trunk of the Chinese toon tree matures into timber, its grain is very beautiful, and it is corrosion-resistant. It is a precious and rare wood that can rival redwood in reputation.
Chinese toon wood has a faint fragrance. The wood color is reddish yellow or reddish brown, and it also has a very bright luster. As early as the Qing Dynasty and Ming Dynasty, Chinese toon wood was used to make furniture, such as cabinets and altar tables. Chinese toon wood is hard in texture, and the furniture made from it is extremely glossy and very attractive.
In ancient times, Chinese toon wood was also often used for roof beams. In rural areas of Shandong, villagers like to use Chinese toon wood to build houses. Good Chinese toon timber can be comparable to redwood, and its price is about the same as redwood. Superior Chinese toon wood can sell for about 7000-8000 yuan per cubic meter. It is often used to make high-end furniture, and the furniture made from it has beautiful grain and attractive color. Some relatively small pieces of wood can be used to make tea trays, clocks and bracelets, and they are also very exquisite.
The leaves, bark, roots and trunk of the Chinese toon tree can all be used as medicine. Chinese toon wood also has medicinal value for repelling mosquitoes and preventing disease. People often use its tender shoots, while the value of the wood is overlooked.