We really should say 'everyone on the web says that the Chinese stocks are made from chu/catalpa.' I've never actually seen a primary source that unequivocally states this as well as showing the evidence to collaborate the conclusion. I'm not saying it's wrong, just that it's been regurgitated so often throughout the web that I really want to verify things before I put the RM stamp of approval on it.
There are too many rumors taken as fact out there for my liking.
Coincidentally we actually have a US Forestry service lab lined up and three stock samples ready to send in. I'm allowed four samples in one submission, so I've been holding out for another stock, but it's been six months now and I've missed out on some great deals on eBay that would have been perfect. Maybe I just need to get off my rear and send what I have in and see if they can determine genus and species (supposedly the larger/more samples, the more accurate they can be)