Saturday, December 21, 2013

Some Of The Uses Of Paulownia Trees

By Harriett Crosby


There are not less than 17 species of plants in the genus of paulownia trees. Commonly encountered species include, among others, P. Elongata, P. Australis, P. Catalpifolia, and P. Glabrata. Traditionally, these plants have been known to be native to Vietnam, China and Laos. They have also been known to grow in other countries of the Far East including Korea and Japan for many centuries. They have now been adopted in many other regions outside Asia due to their numerous benefits.

These plants are characteristically deciduous and tend to grow to great heights that average about fifty feet. Their flowering season is early spring. They are very susceptible to attacks by caterpillars at this time of the year. This may cause great damage if proper mechanisms are not put in place. Their fruit is a dry capsule that contains numerous minute 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 relatively short growing season makes this genus highly commercially viable for hardwood production. Most species mature within five years and therefore tend to have very good returns. They have a major advantage of not requiring the planting of other seedlings upon harvesting. New plants are instead left to regenerate from the existing roots. The timber harvested is pale, whitish and consists of a straight grain. It is demanded highly due to its relatively high ignition point and rot resistance.

A species known as Paulwnia fortunei is considered the fastest growing species. It is the best producer of hardwood commercially in the whole genus. This species has been the subject of reaserch activities for several decades now. It has been shown to grow very tall and exhibit huge apical dominance over the other species in the genus. Its other important characteristic is that it can grow in a wide range of climates and soils.

The trees that are chosen for timber production should preferably be grown to be very tall and straight in their first season of growth. The land for planting is typically ripped deep and ploughed in a rotational manner. There may or may need be the need for beds. Raising beds has several advantages to the farmer. For instance, it improves the soil drainage, the depth and the warmth particularly in the spring season. Planting of seedlings is done directly into the plots. Planting is usually done in October and November.

Traditionally, paulownia trees were used in the production of resonators of single stringed instruments. This has been extended in the modern world as relates to the manufacture of low-cost electric guitars. Other uses include the making of wooden surfboard and use as ornamental plants.




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