Princess tree
Paulownia tomentosa
Paulownia tomentosa, known as the empress tree, is an exceptionally fast-growing deciduous tree famous for …
Smooth-leaved paulownia (Paulownia glabrata)
Silhouette: T. Michael Keesey
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Paulownia glabrata | Species Profile and Botanical Overview
Valued for its rapid growth and elegant form, Paulownia glabrata remains a fascinating subject of study among dendrologists. This deciduous tree features large leaves and showy flower clusters that emerge in early spring.
Botanists study this species to understand the diversity of the genus, particularly its adaptation to temperate and subtropical climates.
Taxonomy
- ∟ царство Plantae
- ∟ division Tracheophytes (Vascular Plants)
- ∟ subdivision Spermatophytes (Seed plants)
- ∟ Angiosperms
- ∟ mesangiosperms (Core angiosperms)
- ∟ eudicots
- ∟ asterids
- ∟ order Lamiales
- ∟ family Paulowniaceae (Paulownia family)
- ∟ genus Paulownia (Empress tree)
- ∟ species Paulownia glabrata (Smooth-leaved paulownia)
Morphology
Foliage of this tree exhibits the characteristic heart-shaped, opposite arrangement common to the genus. The specific epithet suggests that the leaves and young shoots tend to become glabrous, or smooth and hairless, as they develop.
The blossoms are produced in large terminal panicles before the leaves expand. These flowers are typically bell-shaped and display pale purple to lavender shades.
Flowering season
Spring
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Name
Dec
Applications
Wood from this genus is widely recognized for its lightweight nature, exceptional strength-to-weight ratio, and resistance to warping. It is traditionally utilized in Asia for crafting musical instruments, chest boxes, and specialty furniture.
Additionally, the tree's rapid growth makes it a candidate for agroforestry and soil erosion control projects.
Interesting facts
The genus name honors Grand Duchess Anna Pavlovna of Russia, daughter of Tsar Paul I. The specific epithet glabrata refers to the smooth surface of the plant's parts, distinguishing it from more pubescent relatives.
Geography of distribution
- China
Sources
- POWO: Plants of the World Online
- GBIF: Global Biodiversity Information Facility
See also
Fortune's paulownia
Paulownia fortunei
A fast-growing deciduous tree native to East Asia, cultivated for its lightweight timber and showy …
Sapphire Dragon Tree
Paulownia kawakamii
A critically endangered deciduous tree native to Taiwan and southern China, highly valued for its …
Elongate paulownia
Paulownia elongata
A remarkably fast-growing deciduous tree native to East Asia, cultivated for its lightweight timber, biomass …