Wood knowledge: the name of the south and the north

Scientific name: Elm, Eucalyptus.

Alias: Known as "Ji Mu" or "Ju Mu" in Chinese. It is also referred to as "blood stasis," "red dragonfly," "scutellaria," and "big leafhopper."

Geographical Distribution: Primarily grown in the southern provinces of China, particularly south of the Yangtze River. In northern regions, it is sometimes called "Nanbeibei."

Identification and Features: The wood resembles eucalyptus in appearance but has a different texture. In traditional northern furniture, especially coffins, it holds a status similar to that of the more famous "Jiangnan" cypress. Both woods have varying heights, but their textures differ significantly. Eucalyptus features tiny brown specks and a smooth surface, while cypress has a more refined and intricate grain. When placed side by side, the differences are immediately noticeable. On cross-sections of the coffin, you can see concentric beaded patterns, and on the tangential cut, the "treasure pattern" resembles overlapping waves.

Material Properties and Uses: Eucalyptus is hard, heavy, and durable, making it ideal for large furniture pieces. It is also easy to bend when steamed, allowing for curved designs. However, there are some drawbacks. First, each tree varies in age, leading to differences in color and density, which can result in inconsistent furniture finishes. Second, the wood is prone to cracking during kiln drying, making it challenging to produce a complete set of matching furniture.

Cultural Significance: The highest quality eucalyptus is known as "blood clam," with a rich red-yellow hue similar to huanghuali. It combines both aesthetic appeal and practicality. When the grain is well-defined, it can even resemble the texture of "chicken wing" wood. Many people mistakenly associate traditional Chinese furniture solely with mahogany, but eucalyptus was once highly valued due to its availability and quality. Before the Ming and Qing dynasties saw the rise of mahogany styles, eucalyptus was widely used in Jiangnan's traditional furniture production. It was so popular that the saying "nothing is not a good thing" reflected its versatility. Many historical masterpieces, especially from the "Su Zuo" tradition, were made from eucalyptus, with styles comparable to those of hardwood like huanghuali. However, as mahogany gained prestige in high-end markets, eucalyptus gradually lost its former prominence.