CHINESE PARASOL TREE

(Firmiana simplex), tree of the cacao, or chocolate, family (Sterculiaceae) of the order Malvales, native to Asia. It grows to a height of 12 m (40 feet). It has alternate, deciduous leaves up to 30 cm (12 inches) across and small greenish white flowers that are borne in clusters. It is grown as an ornamental in warm regions of North America.