Chinese Parasol Tree, also known as Wutong or Firmiana simplex, is an ornamental plant or tree of the cacao family, native to Asia. It grows up to 16m tall and has alternate, deciduous leaves up to 30cm in diameter and small fragrant greenish-white flowers. Besides being grown as an ornamental in warm regions of North America, this tree has several uses such as producing fibre for coarse cordage and cloth, making furniture and coffins from its wood and using its leaves and fibre for making hair wash and astringent salve, respectively. The seed of the tree is antiphlogistic, expectorant and refrigerant, while a decoction of its roots is used to reduce swellings. A lotion of its leaves is used to treat carbuncles, haemorrhoids and sores. Due to its superior sonic properties, the wood is also used for the soundboards of several Chinese musical instruments including the guqin and guzheng. However, this species is an aggressive and invasive weed in the warmer parts of North America, with some people promoting its removal and offering instructions for drastic measures, including destroying nursery stock.