Zhe tree, also known as imperial wood and ** wood in ancient times, is a kind of tree with precious identity and value. Although it is similar to the mulberry tree, its leaves are equally suitable for feeding silkworms, and the silk produced by the tree is of better quality than other trees. In rural areas, the tree is often cut down for fuel, and few people know that it was once a royal tree in ancient times.
The tree has a similar appearance and characteristics to the mulberry tree, and its leaves were often picked by farmers in ancient times to feed silkworms. Zheshu belongs to the deciduous shrubs or small tree plants of the genus Morus and Orange Mulberry, the tree shape is not tall, most of them are shrubs, and only a few varieties can grow to six or seven meters high. However, the growth of the tree is very slow, usually at 15 years of age, and its core material is only as thick as a finger. In addition, there are thorns growing on the trees. Since few people raise silkworms in rural areas today, the trees are often cut down for fuel. But in ancient times, it was a very rare and noble wood, which was used exclusively by royalty.
After a certain number of years, the core material of the tree will turn yellow, which is a very precious dye. In ancient times, yellow symbolized the emperor, and only the emperor could wear yellow clothes, and the core of the tree was just right to extract the natural dye of yellow. After this yellow dye is used for dyeing, the color is bright and does not fade, and even has a burst of fragrance, becoming a superb dye in ancient times. Therefore, in ancient times, the Zhe tree was used to dye the dragon robe, so the dragon robe was also called the Zhe robe and became synonymous with the emperor. Su Shi, a writer in the Song Dynasty, wrote in a poem: "When I was old, I brushed the emperor for leisure, and served three thousand people in the pond. This poem refers to the emperor.
Zheshu can not only be used for dyeing, but also has high-quality wood, which is used to make high-end furniture. Because of its slow growth, but the wood is very hard, and the core of the wood is yellow and the grain is beautiful, it is no less expensive than rosewood, and it is also one of the furniture materials loved by ancient royalty and aristocracy. In addition, the tree can also be used to make expensive bows, and the bows used by emperors in ancient times were generally made of the tree. In addition to its dye and wood value, the leaves of the tree can also be used to breed silkworms, which are known as silkworms and are extremely valuable. The fruit of the tree is also so delicious that rural children have picked it to satisfy their cravings, and their taste is comparable to that of mulberries, if not better. The fruit can also be used to make wine and make preserved fruits. In addition, the bark of the tree is also one of the important materials for making paper in ancient times, and its stem bark is rich in fiber and the paper has excellent toughness. The roots, stems, bark, stems, leaves, and fruits of the Zhe tree can all be used for medicinal purposes, especially the roots of the Zhe tree, which is called "piercing stone" by traditional Chinese medicine.
Although it was once common, it is now rare in the wild due to its slow growth and many of its use as fuel. Therefore, if you can still see the tree in your hometown, be sure to pay attention to it and do not cut it down at will. Now it has been listed as a protected plant, especially for trees that are more than 50 years old. If you still have this precious tree in your hometown, please make sure to protect it.
As a tree with rich value, the Zhe tree was once favored by the ancient royal family. It can provide both high-quality silk and rare dyes, as well as high-grade wood and other practical values. However, in modern society, people's awareness of the tree has gradually faded, and even indiscriminately cut down it, resulting in a decrease in its number. Therefore, we should re-understand and attach importance to the protection of the Zhe tree, not only to preserve a rare plant, but also to protect the precious heritage of our traditional culture and history.