Formosan paulownia (Paulownia × taiwaniana)

Taiwanese paulownia Taiwan paulownia

Paulownia × taiwaniana: Origin, Taxonomy, and Distribution

As a naturally occurring hybrid between Paulownia fortunei and Paulownia kawakamii, the deciduous tree Paulownia × taiwaniana displays intermediate characteristics between its parent species. Botanists first described it in 1975 from specimens found in Taiwan. It remains an important subject of taxonomic research within its genus.

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)
  • ∟ nothospecies Paulownia × taiwaniana (Formosan paulownia)

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Morphology

A medium to large tree with a spreading crown and sturdy branches. The leaves are opposite, broadly ovate or cordate, covered with dense glandular pubescence that protects them from pests. The leaf blade length can reach up to 25 cm.

The flowers are arranged in terminal panicles and possess the following characteristics:

  • Corolla shape: narrowly campanulate with a five-lobed limb.
  • Color: pale lilac or purple with darker spots in the throat.
  • Fruit: woody capsules containing numerous winged seeds.

Interesting facts

This hybrid was first published in the journal Taiwania by T.W.Hu and H.J.Chang. It has the heterotypic synonym Paulownia × australis, which was described a year later in 1976. Its parentage includes Paulownia fortunei, which is known for its extreme growth speed.

Geography of distribution

  • Taiwan

Sources

  • Plants of the World Online (POWO)
  • International Plant Names Index (IPNI)
  • Tropicos (Missouri Botanical Garden)

See also

Princess tree

Princess tree

Paulownia tomentosa

Paulownia tomentosa, known as the empress tree, is an exceptionally fast-growing deciduous tree famous for …

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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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