In China, a thousand-year-old country, the sycamore tree was once a well-known traditional tree species. It not only plays an important role in the landscape and architectural culture, but also has been given the reputation of "the tree of the phoenix", which is closely connected with the auspicious bird of the phoenix. Today, however, this tree, which is deeply rooted in Chinese culture, is gradually disappearing and being replaced by an exotic species, the pseudosycamore.
Let's explore the reasons for the disappearance of the sycamore tree and think about how to restore the glory of this "phoenix tree". The reason why the sycamore tree is so important in Chinese culture is not unrelated to its various characteristics. This tree species is not only used in medicine, but also the fruit is edible, and it is the main raw material for traditional Chinese musical instruments such as the guzheng.
In poetry and songs, sycamore is often praised and praised by the ancients. Most importantly, the plane tree is also closely associated with the phoenix in Chinese mythology. Legend has it that the phoenix only inhabits the plane tree, so the plane tree is also called "the tree of the phoenix". This unique connection has given the plane tree an irreplaceable place in Chinese culture.
However, this long-rooted tree species in China is now facing a declining fate. In its place are some exotic species such as French plane tree, plane tree, etc. Although these plants are similar in appearance to sycamores, they are not actually sycamores themselves. What exactly caused the disappearance of the sycamore tree? First of all, we need to recognize that the rise of this "false sycamore" is not accidental.
On the contrary, it is closely related to urban development and garden planning in modern China. During the Republican period, Soong Meiling, the first lady of China at the time, was particularly fond of the French plane tree and promoted large-scale planting in cities such as Nanjing. This species of tree from the West quickly became the dominant tree species on both sides of the city streets due to its rapid growth and good shading effect.
At the same time, the real Chinese sycamore is gradually marginalized and even on the verge of disappearing. Secondly, these alien species also differ from native sycamores in some key characteristics. For example, the Chinese sycamore is slightly inferior to the French sycamore and plane trees in terms of cold hardiness and wind and snow resistance, making it difficult to survive in a wider geographical area.
In addition, Chinese sycamore is also more susceptible to insect infestations, while these exotic varieties have shown greater resistance. These differences also make it difficult for them to completely replace the original plane trees. But even so, the disappearance of the sycamore tree continues. On the one hand, it is due to the preference for urban planning and landscaping, and on the other hand, it is also related to the psychology of people's worship of "Western" things.
In addition, the advantages of the growth characteristics of these exotic plants have led to the declining status of plane trees in the city. It can be said that the sycamore tree is experiencing a fate of "doves occupying magpies' nests". So, how can we save this tree species, which is so important in Chinese culture? I think the first thing to do is to strengthen the awareness and publicity of the characteristics of the plane tree itself.
People need to understand that the sycamore is not only a "tree of the phoenix", but also has a very rich practical value. In addition to being used as a medicinal and edible fruit, its wood is also an excellent material for making traditional musical instruments. At the same time, sycamore trees also have unique advantages in urban greening, such as good shading effect and beautiful landscape in autumn.
Secondly, we need to give more consideration to the introduction of plane trees in urban planning and landscaping. Although this native tree species may be slightly inferior to exotic plants in some ecological adaptability, through scientific selection and cultivation management, we can improve the survival ability of sycamore in the city.
At the same time, the government and relevant departments should also introduce relevant policies to encourage and support the promotion and application of sycamore trees in cities. Finally, we should also strengthen the excavation and dissemination of the cultural connotation of Wutong. After all, what makes Sycamore so special in China is largely due to its strong connection to traditional Chinese culture.
By showing more of the cultural value of the sycamore in the fields of art creation and public education, we can make more people aware of the unique status of this tree, so as to enhance people's recognition and cherishing of it.
In short, the disappearance of the sycamore tree, as a part of traditional Chinese culture, is undoubtedly a pity. However, as long as we truly realize the seriousness of the problem and take effective measures to save it, I believe that this "tree of perched phoenixes" will eventually regain its former glory. Let's work together for the revival of the sycamore tree!