Four Auspicious Trees of China
In Chinese traditional culture, certain trees carry a profound meaning of auspiciousness, serving as the essence of garden art and a symbol of national spirit. The four auspicious trees, magnolia, phoenix tree, elm, and cassia, with their unique cultural connotations and practical values, constitute the model system of Eastern plant aesthetics.
A Cultural Heritage of Auspicious Flowers
Magnolia flowers bloom across winter and spring, and their snow-resistant blooming is compared by scholars to 'Jade Hall Spring'. The "Flower Spectrum" of the Ming Dynasty records that white magnolia symbolizes loyalty and integrity, while purple magnolia corresponds to the auspicious omen of 'Purple Ribbon and Golden Seal' for official career. The plant can grow up to 25 meters, with petal texture as soft as silk, forming a spectacular sea of flowers every early spring.
Visual Focus of Garden Landscaping
In traditional courtyard layouts, magnolia is often framed with Taihu stones and moon gates. In modern landscape design, planting white and purple magnolias together can form a gradient flower belt, extending the blooming period to 45 days and becoming a spring landmark in urban parks.
Two, Phoenix Tree: The Sacred Wood that Attracts Phoenixes
Cultural Code of the Phoenix Dwelling
Zhuangzi's "Autumn Water" records the anecdote of the phoenix tree that 'only eats well-trained fruit and drinks sweet spring water', establishing its status as the king of a hundred trees. The unique green and white patterns on the bark are called 'Phoenix Spots', and the palmately lobed leaves form a natural sunshade, reducing the ground temperature by 5-8℃ in summer.
Diverse Development of Practical Value
The wood of the phoenix tree is light and tough, with a density of 0.35g/cm³, making it a top material for making the soundboard of ancient guitars. Modern technology processes its fibers into eco-friendly panels, with a water absorption rate below 8%, widely used in the production of high-end furniture.
Three, Elm Tree: Totem of Wealth Protection
Folk Belief of Filled Money
Elm fruits contain 15% protein and 3% fat, and were listed as crops for surviving famines during the Ming and Qing dynasties. Its samara shape resembles ancient coins, earning it the name 'Money Shaking Tree' in the north. Modern courtyard plantings often follow the layout principle of 'East Elm and West Pagoda Tree'.
Scientific Verification of Ecological Function
Research shows that a 20-year-old elm tree can fix 68kg of carbon per year, with a PM2.5 adsorption rate of over 30%. The allelochemicals secreted by its roots can improve saline-alkaline soil, adjusting the pH value by up to 1.2 units.
Four, Cassia Tree: Auspicious Luck Filling the Door
Symbol of Official Career with Osmanthus
The cassia flower blooms during the Mid-Autumn Festival, and the golden cassia variety's fragrance can spread up to 300 meters. Ancient imperial examination sites must plant cassia trees, seeking the auspicious omen of 'Cassia Crown'. Modern research finds that its volatile oil contains 62 aromatic substances, with significant calming effects.
In-depth Development of Edible Value
1.2kg of cassia essential oil can be extracted from every ton of fresh flowers, widely used in food flavoring. The recently released cassia tree variety 'Tianxiang Taige' blooms for 240 days a year, creating a win-win model for both landscape and economy.
The four auspicious trees have built the genetic map of Chinese plant culture, from material needs to spiritual aspirations, from ecological value to artistic expression. These auspicious trees, which carry wisdom from thousands of years, are continuing to write the green legend of Eastern civilization in a new posture.