7/3/11

The Paulownia Trees: A Blend Of Beauty And Usefulness

By Jeanette Parsons


Vegetation of any kind is a wonder to most of us, and the Paulownia trees are no different. The amazing thing about plants and foliage is the amount of use that can be found for them. Where it is making paper to building incredible structures, art or any number of things some of do not even realize have been made from foliage.

A deciduous tree that can grow to heights of up to forty or fifty feet, it is considered large. Known to be found in many Asian areas, such as China. This particular tree was named after the daughter of the Tsar Paul, the first from Russia. Which will explain the more commonly known name; the Princess Tree. Her name was Queen Anna Pavlovna.

And as with many things royal, there are many hidden layers to this particular tree. The obvious beauty being one. As the purple like flowers that bloom in the early spring will show. And there is also the fact that within that flower you will find a tiny dry capsule that contains thousands of tiny little seeds of the fruit it produces.

Most plant life requires specific conditions in which it will flourish. This is not so with this particular species. They will grow and grow very rapidly in most types of soil, although having said that they tend to do very well in poorer quality soil. The only condition they do not look upon favorably is the water table. They do prefer if a fairly low water area. But once they start to grow they will grow quite quickly.

Part of the romance behind this tree, other than being named for a princess, is the fact that at one time, if a daughter were born to a family, they would plant one of these to mark the occasion. And when that child was getting married, the tree would then be cut and made into a dresser to give as a wedding gift. The symbolism behind that is touching.

There are many other uses for this type of tree due to characteristics it posses. Due to the low silica content it reduces the dulling of blades and therefore is used when making high-end boxes to hold the finer Japanese tools. It is also used for making quality surfboards because it does not warp easily. Making it an ideal wood to use, and when used the wood does not need to be glassed.

The Paulownia trees have many uses in many different countries. And the wood they produce is of high quality and capable of many different uses. They have even been said to increase organic content, which is shown to increase food production and prevent soil erosion. All around they are a very handy tree to have around. Read more about: paulownia trees




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