Name of Osmanthus
In the golden autumn, the faint fragrance floats, and a tree of golden yellow awakens thousands of years of cultural memory. As one of the top ten famous flowers in traditional Chinese culture, osmanthus is not only known for its rich and fragrant aroma but also carries profound cultural connotations. From ancient records to modern gardens, this plant, which combines ornamental and practical uses, always exudes a unique charm.
Osmanthus Varieties and Origins of Names
Classification of Four Famous Osmanthus
Dan Gui, Jin Gui, Yin Gui, and Yue Gui form the four major strains, among which Dan Gui has the most beautiful vermilion flowers, Jin Gui shows brilliant orange yellow, Yin Gui reveals elegant beige white. Yue Gui is named for its leaves resembling crescent moons, and its evergreen nature makes it an excellent ornamental tree species.
Poetic Name Origin
Mu Xi, the name, originates from "Compendium of Materia Medica," referring to its wood grain like rhinoceros horn; Jiu Li Xiang describes the scent spreading far and wide, Lu You's poem "Fine fragrance of Dan Gui in the wind" confirms this saying; Yan Gui is recorded in "Description of Southern Plants," reflecting its adaptive mountainous characteristics.
Detailed Description of Plant Morphological Characteristics
Tree Shape and Leaves
Evergreen trees can reach up to 18 meters in height, while shrub forms are often controlled between 3-5 meters. The leathery leaves are elliptical, with a sharp tip forming a beautiful arc, the reticular structure of the veins shows amber luster in the sunlight, and remains green in winter.
Inflorescence and Flowering Period
Corymbs cluster in the axils, individual flowers only 6-8 millimeters in diameter but contain surprising fragrance substances. The corolla is split into a cross shape, and the flowering period from September to October forms a golden wave of flowers, with different colors from white to orange red.
Ecological Value and Cultural Heritage
As an excellent street tree species, the annual dust deposition of osmanthus reaches 4.8 tons/hec. The volatile terpenes secreted by it have an air purification effect, and the traditional production of floral tea and pastries continues for thousands of years, "Chu Ci" in the "Supporting the history of its use.
From garden landscaping to culinary delights, osmanthus integrates into life with its diverse values. Modern horticulture has developed dwarf varieties, and even balcony planting can feel the poetic "Moonlight Gui Seed Drop" This plant, which bears Eastern aesthetics, continues to prolong its fragrance for thousands of years.