Sapphire Dragon Tree (Paulownia kawakamii)

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Paulownia kawakamii (Sapphire Dragon Tree) - Endangered Ornamental Tree

Adorned with sapphire-violet blossoms that appear before its foliage, this rare tree captures attention with its striking ornamental value.

The species is native to Taiwan and southern China, where it faces extreme threats from habitat loss. In urban landscaping, it is favored for its deep root system that does not disturb pavement.

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 kawakamii (Sapphire Dragon Tree)

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Morphology

Paulownia kawakamii is a medium-sized deciduous tree characterized by its deep root system and spreading branches.

Key morphological features include:

  • Leaves: Broadly ovate, large leaves that emerge after the early spring flowering period.
  • Flowers: Showy, funnel-shaped violet blossoms that form in abundance on large terminal panicles.
  • Roots: Deeply penetrating root system, which prevents surface lifting of surrounding soil.

Flowering season

Early Spring

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Applications

This species is mainly cultivated in specialized plant nurseries as an ornamental tree for parks and gardens. Its deep-rooted nature makes it particularly suitable for street planting and urban areas, as it minimizes damage to adjacent sidewalks and pavements.

Interesting facts

Named the "sapphire dragon tree" due to its brilliant violet blossoms, this species was first described by botanist Tokutarô Itô in 1912.

It is classified as Critically Endangered on the IUCN Red List, with a census in 1997 recording only 13 mature individuals remaining in the wild on the island of Taiwan.

Geography of distribution

  • Taiwan
  • Fujian
  • Guangdong
  • Guangxi
  • Guizhou
  • Hubei
  • Hunan
  • Jiangxi
  • Zhejiang

Sources

  • Kew Plants of the World Online (POWO)
  • World Flora Online (WFO)
  • Tropicos, Missouri Botanical Garden
  • IUCN Red List of Threatened Species

Technical Information

External Databases: GBIF, POWO, Tropicos

See also

Princess tree

Princess tree

Paulownia tomentosa

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Elongate paulownia

Elongate paulownia

Paulownia elongata

A remarkably fast-growing deciduous tree native to East Asia, cultivated for its lightweight timber, biomass …

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