Paulownia species
Paulownia species
The Paulownia Tree is mainly found in China
and Southeast Asia and belongs to the scrohulacea family.
There are 9 recognized species of paulownia. The
the most important are P. fortunei, P. Elongata and P. Tomentosa.
Our Hybrid variant is non-invasive and has
ultra-fast growth, specially developed for the European market.
P. Elongata x Fortunei is the hybrid with the
greatest adaptability to soil and climate.
Paulownia is grown worldwide
Paulownia plants have been grown for their wood in China for at least 2,000 years .
Paulownia is already cultivated worldwide, as in
Asia, but also in countries such as the United States, Australia, New Zealand,
Spain, Italy, South Africa, Netherlands, France etc.
Its cultivation has increased worldwide due to
the ultra-fast growth and the environmental benefits. With an improving biobased market, the Paulownia is also making its mark in Europe.
Paulownia wood
The wood is highly valued for its properties and wide application possibilities.
The main features are:
- The wood is very light, approximately 260 kg/m3 with a moisture content of 10%.
- Clear color, no odor, with straight grain and fine workmanship.
- Quick drying. 40 days outside and 2 days in the oven.
- Very strong in relation to the weight, this is due to the honeycomb cell structure.
- Low breakage coefficient. It rarely deforms, breaks or cracks.
- Soft wood, easy to work with.
- Good thermal and electrical insulation.
- Fire retardant, only burns from 425 degrees.
Biomass wood production
- Due to its rapid growth, the Paulownia is very interesting for the production of wood for biomass.
- Advantages over other wood crops such as poplar, eucalyptus and willow. Does not require energy to dry. -Low ash, chlorine and potassium content.
- Once you have planted the Paulownia, you can harvest the biomass after 2 years.
- You can harvest up to 7 times without having to replant the Paulownia. If you
namely harvest, the Paulownia simply shoots again. - Yields of 35 to 40 Ton/ha per year under normal conditions..
- Paulownia has a very high calorific value, even higher than that of coal.
Requirements for Planting Paulownia Plants
- Paulownia grows best in deep, fertile, well-drained soil. Although Paulownia also op
can grow in clay soils, Paulownia grows best in sandy, well-drained soil. - Optimal growth is achieved when the average temperature is higher than 20ºC.
- Irrigation is necessary during dry periods when there is insufficient water, this to the maximum
promote growth. - It is necessary to provide fertilizers when the Paulownia plants are still young, this
to stimulate rapid growth and development of the root system. - Once the plantation has been established, the need for fertilizers will decrease over time.
- Paulownia grows less well in salty soil.