Putting Paulownia Trees In The Spotlight

By Annette Bishop


Paulownia trees are a native plant to China with a history dating up to 2600 years ago. According to accounts written by Zhung Tze, the plants are significant because they serve as the resting place for the Phoenix. Chinese plant them to bring luck by attracting the Phoenix.

There are about 6 to 17 species identified for this genus of plants. Because they can grow very fast provided the right growing conditions are present, they are ideal for reforestation. The Chinese often used them for roadside planting as well and for ornamental purposes because some species produce beautiful flowers.

These plants are also being used for intercropping by the Chinese, and its properties are continuously being studied. Even other countries like Australia are showing interests with these plants due to the benefits they can give.

A tree of this genus can grow as tall as 20 feet in a matter of one year if the right fertilizers are used. Although they need high amounts of light to grow, they do not fair well in areas with high water tables. They can also grow in bad soils.

The plants also produce wood; but for its timber to be straight, you need to make sure the poles grow straight when young. Its wood is light in color with long grains. But its properties against resisting cracks, twists and temperatures or fires of up to 477 degrees Celsius are remarkable.

In fact, the wood has already been used by the Chinese and the Koreans as the primary material for musical instruments like the pipa and the kayagum. Right now, it is also being used for moldings, plywood and furniture, and their flowers and leaves are useful in fertilizer making due to high nitrogen content.

Indeed, it is interesting to know that paulownia trees are quite useful. Economies can thrive just by planting these plants. They will even provide environmental protection as well as raw materials for several industries in the future.




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