Botanical Description
Arbor Vitae (Platycladus orientalis) also known as the Oriental Thuja is a unique slow-growing coniferous tree with a distinct appearance, it has unique flattened scale-like leaves that are arranged at 90 degrees relative to each other unlike other conifers. As with other conifers its reproductive structures instead consist of cones rather than flowers, each plant carries both male and female cones. Its cones are what is called an “acresthida” or a cole with fused fleshy scales.
Uses:
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The cones of the tree are used to create an antirheumatic tincture in traditional medicine.
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The leaves are used to aid in digestion, coughing, and menstruation just to give a few examples. The leaf extract can supposedly be used to promote hair growth alongside having antibacterial properties.
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The seeds are said to have aphrodisiac and sedative properties.
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The wood from this tree can be used for furniture construction, and the fragrance extracted from it various parts are used for perfumery.
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Apart from its practical uses its also widely used for landscaping due to its unique appearance, it also has some cultural significance as it was planted around the tombs of Chinese nobility.