THE MIRACULOUS PAULOWNIA TREE

Paulownia is a fast-growing, deciduous tree that is native to parts of Asia, Europe, and North America, and is widely cultivated as an ornamental tree. Paulownia is a genus of flowering plants in the family Paulowniaceae.

Research into Paulownia only really started when deforestation in North America became an issue and demand began to develop faster-growing trees.

The tree is commonly known as the “Princess Tree” or “Empress Tree” due to its regal appearance, with large heart-shaped leaves and clusters of lavender or trumpet-shaped white to purple flowers that bloom in the spring.

In Japan it is called the Kiri tree, a word which for many people evoke associations with the Japanese “hara-kiri” (suicide by sword). “Kiri” means “to cut” in old Japanese, alluding to the fact that a technical pruning is done every spring, the first 2 years of the tree’s growth.

One of the most distinctive features of Paulownia is its rapid growth rate, which allows it to reach maturity in as little as eight years, making it a popular choice for timber plantations. In fact, Paulownia is considered one of the fastest-growing hardwood trees in the world, with some varieties capable of growing up to 20 feet in a single year. This rapid growth makes Paulownia an attractive crop for timber farmers looking to harvest wood for a variety of uses, including furniture, flooring, and musical instruments. The tree can reach heights of up to 30 meters. It has an attractive shape with a wide canopy that provides ample shade for gardens and parks.

Thanks to its rapid growth and large leaves, it is by far the best tree to absorb and retain carbon dioxide, CO2, from the atmosphere. An average Paulownia tree captures 166 kilograms CO2 per year.