An exceptionally useful plant, the genus to which this fast growing hardwood tree belongs comprises between six and seventeen distinct species. Paulownia elongata is an Asian tree which is native to China and Vietnam, and which has been cultivated in Korea and Japan for centuries. Exceptionally tall and displaying large leaves, these are popular shade trees as well as sources of construction lumber.
It is difficult to fully comprehend the rate at which these deciduous trees can grow. Reaching full, harvest-ready maturity in as few as five to seven years, it is not unusual to see twelve month old plants already topping fifteen feet in height. This speed makes them very attractive to commercial growers.
While the most obvious benefit to growing these trees is the rapid production of high quality lumber, they have other characteristics which people find attractive. The strength and relatively light weight of the procured wood is one thing, but the speed of growth also makes these trees wonderful choices for ornamental use. Parks and gardens can benefit from their purple flowers and large, leafy crowns.
The amazing volume of biomass that these plants can produce in a single year is also astonishing, and this makes the tree quite useful to biofuel concerns. The amount of feedstock which can be harvested from these giants offers tremendous amounts of raw material to be used in the production of ethanol and other gasoline alternatives. Sustainable alternative fuels are becoming increasingly important in the world.
The wood itself has many qualities which recommend its use. Fine grained and lightweight, many surfboard companies prefer to fashion their wares from this tree’s wood. An advantage that it possesses over the more frequently employed balsa is that it does not need to be glassed before it is finished.
Some of the most famous electric guitars are built on a core of this wood. The need for a light yet strong material is easily met with lumber from this Asian tree. Even companies which manufacture skis have seen great potential in the wood.
This tree may very well be an answer to some pressing ecological concerns. Its terrific growth makes Paulownia elongata a great choice for reforestation as well as sustainable forestry concerns. It can be harvested in only a few years, and this makes it very attractive to commercial growers. Read more about: paulownia elongata
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