Paulownia is a genus of between 6-17 species (depending on taxonomic authority) of plants in the monogeneric family Paulowniaceae, related to and sometimes included in the Scrophulariaceae. They are native to wide areas of eastern Asia. They are deciduoustrees 10-25 m tall, with large leaves 15-40 cm across, arranged in opposite pairs on the stem. The flowers are produced in early spring on panicles 10-30 cm long, with a tubular purple corolla resembling a foxglove flower. The fruit is a dry capsule, containing thousands of minute seeds.
Paulownia fortunei is a fast-growing tree that is grown commercially for the production of hardwood timber.
Paulownia tomentosa is listed as an invasive species in the southeastern United States, having been introduced there as an ornamental tree for its decorative flowers.
Paulownia timber is a blonde-coloured wood with a straight grain. Its characteristics of rot resistance and a very high ignition point ensures the timber's popularity in the world market. Paulownia grown on plantations generally has widely spaced growth rings and is therefore much less valuable.
Paulownia has the highest strength-to-weight ratio of any tree in the world with a tested strength of 288 kg/m3, which is 129 kg/m3 greater than balsa. This makes Paulownia a highly sought-after marine timber.
Diseases and Pests
CSIRO has done testing to show Paulownia is very attractive for wood-boring insects.
The largely tropical genus Calceolaria and their relatives will be placed in a new family by Olmstead.
In addition, two families not recognized by Cronquist are adopted: Paulowniaceae Nakai and Schlegeliaceae (A.H. Gentry) Reveal.
Full description from Watson & Dallwitz; family synonymy from Reveal; list of genera from Kew; family synopses from the University of Hawaii and Utah State.
Feeds |
Contact