The Advantages Of Paulownia Trees

By Harriett Crosby


Paulownia trees are very popular species in America. However, only a few Americans know about the origin of the plant. History says that the trees came from china. They were brought by the Chinese traders in the 1880s. Indeed they arrived in America by chance. The Chinese used to wrap their commercial wares using Paulownia leaves which would subsequently shed their seeds on the wares during transit. When the wares arrived in America, the seeds would be thrown to gardens and within no time they would sprout to wonderful plants. Such plants proved to be very beneficial to most of the American farmers.

The tree is the best option in protecting against soil erosion. This is because its roots are known to hold the soil so intact thus preventing any abrasion which might result from water or any other cause. This explains why the tree is found in steep areas where gulley erosion frequently occurs. Moreover, the plant is able to grow in areas which experience high concentration of salts in their soils. As they grow, they absorb the salts in the soil rendering them viable for agriculture to take place.

The industrial areas of America were very prone to air pollution. This prompted for an environmental friendly way of minimizing the pollution to be sought. Researchers tried all sorts of plants in vain. All the plants they tried could not grow in such polluted areas. Their zeal led them to try the Paulownia. The plant proved to not only grow in those areas but also help in minimizing air pollution. Its broad leaves efficiently helped in purifying air.

Out of all the hardwood trees grown in China and America, Paulownia species were the lightest and the readily available type. It is for this reason that the wood has remained a popular resource for most carpenters. Its grains were straight and wood is durable. It was neither affected by moisture nor eaten by termites.

Paulownia trees have ecologically proved to form a microclimate. They are able to survive in both dry and wet seasons. During the dry seasons, the plant absorbs water from underground which rises up through transpiration to its stem and leaves. The water then evaporates through the leaves creating a humid climate around the plant. This humid climate is ideal for other types of crops grown close to this plant survive.

Beekeeping has immensely developed due to the growth of this plant. Farmers have realized that bees love to harbor in areas which these woods are grown and fully utilized the chance. They have set up bee hives which on these trees and the results have been amazing. They have been able to harvest, process and sell honey thus earning their livelihood. This is all thanks to the Paulownia plant.

Moreover, the wood has supplemented farmers in making shelter. Because of its lightweight characteristic, the wood has remained as a first choice material in making granaries and other structures. Moreover, it straight grain structure has made it a popular materials in furniture making.

Paulownia trees produce large leaves which are used as animal fodder. This food is nutritionally rich in proteins. It is one of the best foods for cattle, sheep and goats.




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