Lacquerwood

Lacquerwood

　　Also known as mountain lacquer, it is found in the Zhongtiao Mountain area of Pinglu. Each tree yields approximately 0.5–1 kilogram of lacquer per year, and after one harvest, it must rest for three years before it can be tapped again. The raw lacquer harvested from lacquerwood trees is known as the “king of coatings,” referred to as “black gold,” and is more precious than gold. Exporting one ton of raw lacquer is worth over ten thousand US dollars. This raw lacquer contains 7.67% resin, 25.29% water, 61.34% urushiol, and 5.7% nitrogen compounds. When certain fillers—such as porcelain powder, quartz powder, or graphite powder—are added to the raw lacquer, its bonding strength with steel plates can reach up to 70 kilograms per square centimeter. Once processed into refined lacquer, it becomes an excellent coating for military, chemical, electrical equipment, and non-metal items such as bamboo and wood. It can also be used as a preservative and insect repellent for artworks. The wood of the lacquerwood tree is highly resistant to decay, moisture, and is elastic, with beautiful grain patterns, making it suitable for crafting high-end wooden products. Its leaves are used as an herbal medicine, and its seeds can be pressed to extract edible oil.