Princess tree
Paulownia tomentosa
Paulownia tomentosa, known as the empress tree, is an exceptionally fast-growing deciduous tree famous for …
Henan paulownia (Paulownia henanensis)
Silhouette: T. Michael Keesey
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Paulownia henanensis (Henan Paulownia) – Botanical Guide
Originating as a natural hybrid in central China, Paulownia henanensis represents a genetic cross between Paulownia catalpifolia and Paulownia tomentosa. This tree displays a unique combination of parental traits, including strong adaptability to temperate climates and rapid wood accumulation. Its distribution is largely restricted to its native Chinese province.
Botanists study this nothospecies to understand the hybridization patterns within the genus. The tree produces attractive floral displays in the spring before the foliage fully develops.
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 henanensis (Henan paulownia)
Morphology
Paulownia henanensis exhibits intermediate morphology inherited from its parent species. The leaves are generally heart-shaped but can be more elongated and acuminate, resembling those of the catalpa parent. Fine glandular hairs cover the young shoots and leaf undersides, giving them a soft texture.
The flowers are large, tubular, and arranged in terminal panicles. Their petals show varying shades of pale purple or lilac, often featuring faint interior striping inherited from the parent species. The seed capsules are egg-shaped, thick-walled, and carry numerous small seeds with membranous wings.
Flowering season
Spring
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Name
Dec
Applications
Cultivators use Paulownia henanensis for local agroforestry projects due to its fast growth and deep root system. The light, workable wood serves as excellent material for making crates, plywood, and simple domestic furniture. Its ornamental value also makes it suitable for planting in parks and large gardens.
Interesting facts
This plant was officially described in 1995 by Chinese botanists C.Y. Zhang and Y.H. Zhao. As a hybrid, it inherits the cold tolerance of one parent and the rapid growth of the other, making it a subject of interest for breeding programs. Its large leaves decompose quickly, contributing valuable organic matter back to the forest floor.
Geography of distribution
- China
Sources
- Plants of the World Online (POWO)
- World Flora Online (WFO)
- International Plant Names Index (IPNI)
- Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF)
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 …