Royal Paulownia Tree Information
Royal paulownia (Paulownia tomentosa), also called empress tree and princess tree, is a deciduous native of southeast China that has gained popularity in the United States. According to Franklin T. Bonner in the report titled "Paulownia Tomentosa" published by the National Seed Laboratory of the USDA Forest Service, the royal paulownia tree was introduced into the U.S. in the mid-19th century for ornamental purposes.
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Physical Properties
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The Paulownia tomentosa grows to a maximum height of 25 meters. It is hardy, tolerates wildfire, pollution and easily adapts to a variety of soil types (it suits medium to coarse texture soils and a soil pH that ranges from 4.5 to 7.5). The tree offers medium tolerance to drought and moisture. Royal paulownia trees require full sunlight and have zero shade tolerance. Trees blooms large, purple flowers and thick, coarse green foliage in the spring.
Habitat
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The royal paulownia grows rapidly in the spring and summer months and is found on steep, rocky slopes, streambanks and forest edges.
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Uses
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The seeds of the royal paulownia were used as packing material in the 19th century. Royal paulownia wood is used as lumber in the caravanning, surfboard and marine industries and as a nursery stock product. Its biomass is used as feedstock (for the generation of liquid and gas fuels), burnt to generate steam that is then converted to electricity, and directly burnt to heat homes. Royal paulownia wood is resistant to splitting, warping, cupping and is durable and lightweight. It is carved to form various decorative finishes and high quality furniture items. The leaves of the tree are combined with hay and wheat straw to make animal fodder.
Advantages and Disadvantages
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Royal paulownia trees are hardy and do not require pesticides, herbicides, planting or annual cultivation. They are helpful in improving soil conditions and improve areas affected by soil erosion. It has an extensive system of deep roots that absorb large quantities of nitrates, water and other nutrients from the soil, which are then utilized by the tree. The royal paulownia tree has large, hairy leaves which function as natural dust trappers. They are beneficial in purifying smoke, smog and dust from the environment and are planted in the industrial zones of Singapore, China and the United States for this reason.
The royal paulownia cannot survive under the shade of other, taller trees.
Interesting Facts
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A single tree is estimated to produce approximately 20 million seeds that are spread by water and wind and germinate rapidly in appropriate soil. Seedlings flower in 8 to 10 years and mature trees live to around 70 years. According to "Wood" by Fine Woodworking, the royal paulownia tree was named after Anna Paulownia, wife of King Willem of the Netherlands.
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References
- Photo Credit congtai park in historical city hondan, china image by Gary from Fotolia.com
