Qinling Empress Tree (Paulownia tomentosa var. tsinlingensis)

Qinling princess tree Qinling foxglove tree
Silhouette: T. Michael Keesey / License

Paulownia tomentosa var. tsinlingensis: Botanical Features and Overview

Mountainous forests of central China host the deciduous tree variety known as Paulownia tomentosa var. tsinlingensis. This rapid-growing tree belongs to the family Paulowniaceae and is appreciated for its environmental tolerance.

It typically populates mountain valleys, slopes, and open woodlands. The tree serves as a pioneer species in areas recovering from ecological disturbances.

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 tomentosa (Princess tree)
  • variety Paulownia tomentosa var. tsinlingensis (Qinling Empress Tree)

Living Pulse

Morphology

This variety displays several distinct morphological characteristics. The key features include:

  • Less hairy leaves that are glabrous or nearly glabrous on the upper surface.
  • Fragrant purple flowers that are large, funnel-shaped, and arranged in terminal panicles.
  • Sticky glandular hairs on young shoots and petioles.

The tree grows rapidly, forming a broad, open crown with strong branches.

Flowering season

Spring

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Name
Dec

Applications

Local communities utilize the fast-growing wood of this variety for various construction purposes. The lightweight nature of the timber makes it ideal for crafting traditional musical instruments, furniture, and light boxes.

Ecological applications include rapid reforestation projects and soil erosion control on steep mountain slopes.

Interesting facts

The variety name tsinlingensis directly refers to the Qinling Mountains, a major east-west mountain range in Shaanxi province. This mountain range acts as a natural boundary between northern and southern China.

  • Its fast growth rate makes it a subject of study for carbon sequestration.
  • The tree blooms in early spring, covering branches with fragrant violet blossoms before foliage develops.

Geography of distribution

  • China

Sources

  • Plants of the World Online (POWO)
  • World Flora Online (WFO)
  • Flora of China

Technical Information

External Databases: GBIF, POWO, Tropicos

See also

True Araucarias

True Araucarias

Araucaria sect. Araucaria

Araucaria sect. Araucaria is a botanical section of evergreen conifers native to South America. It …