Phellodendron

Phellodendron

　　Also known as yellow corktree, amur corktree, or corkwood. A deciduous tree of the Rutaceae family. It has thick bark that ranges from light gray to dark gray, with a well-developed cork layer featuring deep vertical fissures and bright yellow inner bark. The tree bears odd-pinnate, opposite compound leaves. Flowers bloom in summer, and the fruit is spherical. It thrives on sunny slopes, in moist areas, and where drainage is good. Phellodendron wood is of very high quality, ranking alongside Manchurian ash and Manchurian walnut as one of the three most valuable broadleaf tree species in Northeast China. Its bark, once the cork layer is removed, can be used medicinally under the name “huangbo” (Phellodendron bark), which is cold in nature and bitter in taste, effective for treating conditions such as clearing heat and detoxifying, benefiting the gallbladder, and drying dampness. It also holds significant economic value.