Chinese Wing Nut
Pterocarpus stenoptera
Local / Vernacular name: ଚାଇନା ୋଖା ଆଖଦରାଟ
Key Facts
Genus
Pterocarpus
Species
stenoptera
Origin
Unknown
Conservation Status
Least Concern
Campus Zone
XIM University Campus
About this Tree
XIM University campus biodiversity register (2026–27). Recorded individuals: 1; abundance rank: 53.
Leaf habit: Deciduous
Flowers / Fruits: Flowers are greenish and appear in long drooping catkins. Fruits are winged nutlets that hang in clusters and disperse by wind.
Native range: Native to China, particularly central and eastern regions.
The Chinese wingnut supports riparian ecosystems by stabilizing riverbanks with its extensive root system and reducing erosion. Its seeds feed birds and small mammals, while its broad canopy provides shade that lowers water temperatures, improving habitat conditions for aquatic organisms and maintaining stream health.
In traditional Chinese medicine, Pterocarya stenoptera bark and leaves are used for treating joint pain, rheumatism, swelling, and skin infections. Extracts show anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, helping relieve pain and reduce swelling. It is also used to improve circulation and support detoxification processes in herbal preparations.
The Chinese wingnut tree is incorporated into traditional Chinese cultural landscapes, representing stability, growth, and harmony along water bodies. Its wood is used in carvings and household items, while its presence in ancient gardens and temples reflects its symbolic connection to flowing energy and balanced natural elements.
Related Trees
Other trees in the same family on campus
