| The Paulownia Tree |
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PeacePortal is excited and pleased to have multiple Paulownia Tree growing projects as partners whom are networking together so more of these truly unique trees can become available for local projects (SAFE) and in preparation for our Global Projects such as PRP and P3 whom are implementing a Paulownia based Global Warming Solution.
Paulownia are fast growing broadleaf deciduous trees, "The World Tree" - in fact they are the fastest growing Hardwood Tree on the planet, with a history of legends going back to 1000 BC. In the first one or two years they are capable of growing several meters per growing season. The leaves on a vigorous juvenile tree can grow to over 1 meter in diameter.
Over the last 38 years in China, more than 3 million hectares of Paulownia have been intercropped with food (wheat, soya, and other cereals) thereby significantly increasing yields of sustainabale food production, the Paulownia is already a proven plan. The majority of growth occurs in mid to late Summer depending on your Growing Zone. Growth slows in Autumn as the tree hardens and thickens. Once established the Paulownia have deep root systems, extending as much as 2.0 meters for trees of 3.0 meters in height.
The Paulownia can regenerate itself or be propagated from root cuttings and tissue cultures. Tissue Culture is a technique in which plants are reproduced. Utilization of the Paulownia tree: Horticultural shelter for vegetables, flowers, bulbs and nursery planting providing protection against wind and summer sun. Many crops and some livestock will yield better results when grown under shade conditions.
Instead of discharging effluent or drainage water from towns, feedlots and food processors into rivers, streams or the ocean, it can be used to irrigate Paulownia plantations. Ornamental applications for boulevards and home yards from the living cells of an optimum chosen plant. Paulownia end products:
Timber: Pauwlonia is widely used in Asia for furniture, decorative paneling and musical instruments. It is light and strong with a silky smooth finish and takes a wide range of stains. Plantation grown timber produces straight grained, knot-free timber. Paulownia timber could substitute for broad leaf timber that is harvested from the tropical rain forests of Asia, South America and Africa.
Structural Poles: At 3 to 4 years of age Paulownia trees can produce a very straight cylindrical pole with no side branches or deformities 18 feet in height and 10-12" thick. This log is light but very rigid and it will not sag under heavy loads, making it ideal for construction. In Shandon, China 4 year old poles are now used as ridge poles and uprights and 3 year old poles are used as rafters to support concrete and clay tiled roofs. Villagers claim that the poles are stronger and less prone to sagging than the traditional conifer poles.
Veneer: Paulownia can be sliced or peeled finer than any other timber and still maintain its structural integrity. In Taiwan, Paulownia is sliced to 1/1,000 inch and veneered onto paper for decorative purposes. Paulownia veneer can be used to face composite timber products and make them more attractive. Most high quality veneer timbers are becoming increasingly expensive and harder to find as they normally come from broadleaf trees harvested from old growth forests. Veneer is the highest value end use for Paulownia timber. Moldings and Architraves: Paulownia is ideal to use for moldings, architraves and wall paneling as the wood is light, strong and finishes well. Pulp: Fast grown Paulownia has excellent prospects for pulp as it can be harvested on a three to four year rotation after which it can be coppiced and allowed to regrow. The timber's long strong fibers are light colored and require little bleaching. The Paulownia pulp yield per cubic meter of timber is comparatively low so it is best mixed with other timber pulps. Plywood: In China, Pauwlonia is now being used as facing veneer on plywood. Paulownia has a naturally low level of turpentines and oils in its fibers, making the wood fire resistant, thus providing an additional safety factor. Paulownia Tree Links:What Trees Have to do with Peace Paulownia Planting Instructions Paulownia As An Alternative for Sustainable Forestry Paulownia Development and Research Center (China) Tree Crops for Marginal Farmland using Royal Paulownia Visual Paulownia Growth Record Paulownia Bio-Mass Emissions Chart Plants For A Future: Database Search Results Paulownia Nurseries are very easy to grow, start your own nursery as a SAFE Project:
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The Paulownia can achieve a growth rate and tree size in only three to five years that would normally take other tree species 25 years. 
