Some Interesting Facts On Paulownia Trees

By Harriett Crosby


There are not less than 17 species of plants in the genus of paulownia trees. Commonly encountered species include, among others, P. Elongata, P. Australis, P. Catalpifolia, and P. Glabrata. Traditionally, these plants have been known to be native to Vietnam, China and Laos. They have also been known to grow in other countries of the Far East including Korea and Japan for many centuries. They have now been adopted in many other regions outside Asia due to their numerous benefits.

Trees in this genus are deciduous. They grow to a height of about 50 feet on average when mature. They typically flower in the season of spring and are usually vulnerable to attacks by caterpillars at this time. Spraying with insecticides helps control the resultant damage. Fruits are dry and capsulated with tiny seeds.

The trees survive in all types of soil. The prefer areas that have a low table hence can be grown in areas with adverse weather conditions. Plenty of sunlight is essential for proper growth. Individuals growing them on plantations frequently use fertilisers in an effort to improve the yields.

The trees have numerous uses. They are now widely used for reforestation programs. The main reason for this is the ability if these species to quickly regenerate degraded patches of land and restore the ecology of these areas. Environmentalists have suggested their use as a solution for deforestation facing many countries. Their benefit to the environment is also realized in intercropping as a measure of reducing soil erosion.

The rapid growth rate makes them suitable for production of hardwood timber on a large scale. A number of species can be harvested in as little as 5 years. There is no need to plant new seedlings after harvesting. New trees are instead allowed to regenerate from the existing root systems. The timber that is harvested is pale, whitish in colour and has a straight grain. Other varieties may be silver grey, brown or red. The timber is very popular for various uses because it is resistant to rot and has a high ignition point.

Paulwnia fortunei is one of the fastest growing species. It is preferred for the commercial production of wood. The species has been at the centre of research activities since the late 80s. Studies of this species have shown that is bears apical dominance over the other species. It is also adapted to survive in a wide range of climatic conditions and soil types.

The trees that are chosen for timber production should preferably be grown to be very tall and straight in their first season of growth. The land for planting is typically ripped deep and ploughed in a rotational manner. There may or may need be the need for beds. Raising beds has several advantages to the farmer. For instance, it improves the soil drainage, the depth and the warmth particularly in the spring season. Planting of seedlings is done directly into the plots. Planting is usually done in October and November.

One of the oldest uses for paulownia trees is in the making of musical instruments. The wood from these trees makes very good resonators. They are still widely used for a similar function today. Electric guitars made from the wood are very affordable.




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