Paulownia elongata

Paulownia elongata
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Plantae
(unranked):	Angiosperms
(unranked):	Eudicots
(unranked):	Asterids
Order:	Lamiales
Family:	Paulowniaceae
Genus:	Paulownia
Species:	P. elongata
Binomial name
Paulownia elongata S.Y.Hu

Paulownia elongata is a species of tree in the family Paulowniaceae, native to Asia.

The plant's leaves are very large and pubescent ('fuzzy—hairy'). This species can withstand a very wide range of environmental conditions. It does not grow at higher altitudes however.

Uses

Cultivation

Paulownia elongata is cultivated as an ornamental tree for use in gardens and parks. It is selected for its purple flowers, and its shade tolerance.

Biofuel

The tree is planted and grown as feedstock for biofuel production. Due to the large quantity of biomass produced annually, it is suited for use as biofuel feedstock.

Lumber

Paulownia elongata is planted as a forestry tree producing strong, yet light, wood. It is grown for lumber in North America and China.

Commercial plantations are normally established from selected clones resulting from micropropagation ^[1]

They are known to grow up to 15 feet (4.6 m) or more in the first year. It is reportedly the fastest-growing hardwood tree . Some proponents claim that P. elongata plantations can reach a harvestable size in five to seven years .

References

1. Worldpaulownia.com: "Paulownia elongata is a fast growing shade tree that flowers." . accessed 6.12.2012

External links