samedi 28 décembre 2013

Benefits Of Growing 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.

These plants have a huge advantage in that they can be cultivated in virtually any soil type. They prefer areas with a low water table and thus can survive in very harsh climatic conditions. The major requirement is adequate sunlight throughout the period of growth. The use of fertilizer may help in improving yields.

There are numerous uses for these plants that have been identified. Commonly, they are very useful for reforestation activities in areas that have been subjected to degradation. They have a great ability to quickly regenerate and restore forest cover in affected areas. The ecological environment is also greatly conserved. The possibility of intercropping with other plants helps in controlling soil erosion.

Their rapid rate of growth has encouraged many people to grow them commercially for their timber. Some of the species attain full maturity in about 5 years. Once they are harvested newer trees regenerate from the root systems thus there is no need to replant. The timber is usually pale, white with straight grains. Some other varieties may be red, brown or silver grey. They fetch very high prices in the market because they are resistant to rot and have a high ignition point.

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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