Paulownia trees is a huge genus of plants consisting of more that seventeen species. Commonly encountered species include P. Australis, P. Elongata, P. Catalpifolia, P. Glabrata among others. Historians say that these trees are native to most areas of China, Laos and Vietnam but they have also been known to be widely cultivated in other parts of Asia including Japan and Korea. There are many other areas all over the world in which they are cultivated today 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 grow in a wide range of soil types. They do well in low water tables and can therefore flourish in dry conditions. The main important requirement is plenty of sunlight. Fertiliser is frequently used to increase yields in commercial settings.
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.
If you are growing them for timber they need to be straight and long in the first season. The area chosen for the growth should be ripped deeply and ploughed in a rotatory manner. The beds used may or may not be raised. Raised beds have the advantage of improving the drainage, better soil depth and greater warmth in spring. The seedlings are to be planted directly into the selected plot at least 1 metre apart. The best time for doing this is between the months of 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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