Lilac

Lilac

　　Also known as the northern Chinese lilac. It is the city flower of Xining. Belonging to the Oleaceae family, it is a deciduous shrub or small tree. Typically growing to a height of 3 to 5 meters, older specimens can reach over 10 meters. In Qinghai, it is commonly called "lunbai," and because it blooms twice a year, it is also referred to as "second blooming plum." The plant exhibits strong adaptability on the Qinghai Plateau and has a long history of cultivation. Its flowers feature large inflorescences, a long blooming period, and an elegant, fragrant beauty, earning it the title “Queen of the Plateau.” The flowers can be used to extract aromatic oils, the tender twigs can be dried and used as a tea substitute, and the roots and branches have medicinal properties, helping to clear heat, relieve coughs, reduce phlegm, and calm wheezing. Because it serves both as a spice plant and a nectar source, offering both ornamental and medicinal value, it is widely planted in Xining.