In commemoration of her husband, Doris Schneider sponsored a tree on the TU Dresden campus – for the preservation of nature.

The Japanese pagoda tree, also known as Chinese scholar tree or pagoda tree, is a medium-sized, deciduous tree that grows to a height of up to 30 meters. The crown of the tree is broad and round. The natural habitat of the Japanese pagoda tree extends from Japan to Korea and China. With its decorative flowers and pods, the Japanese pagoda tree is often cultivated as a solitary plant in parks and avenues.

All parts of the plant except the flowers are regarded as highly poisonous, especially the seeds, bark and the husk of the pods. Due to its toxins, the Japanese pagoda tree is quite well protected against pests. In traditional Chinese medicine, the dried flowers are used as an antihypertensive and anti-inflammatory agent.

The Japanese pagoda tree is a good nectar source and serves as a pollen supplier, for example for the giant resin bee (Megachila sculpturalis).