One of the deciduous trees with a large conical crown is Paulownia Elongata. Such trees typically reach heights of over 10 meters. Because of their quick growth and lightweight, but yet strength, these species are generally preferred.
They are increasingly grown as plantation timber nowadays, as well as for other soil stabilization and restoration initiatives. These species are now expanding as a type of woody biofuel crop. Its leaves are said to be rich in nitrogen and beneficial as fertilizer as well as good fodder.
Let us discuss a few more applications of this tree.
1. Timber production
The main use of this tree is for producing high-quality timber. It has a potential to grow faster, which is typically about 7 to 10 years.
The timber that you will get is lightweight but remarkably strong, hence suitable for:
- Furniture making
- Flooring
- Musical instruments.
Its light-coloured wood having straight grain offers an attractive choice for decoration.
2. Environmental benefits
It is renowned for offering environmental benefits. It can absorb large amounts of CO2 from the atmosphere. Also, its extensive root system can control soil erosion.
3. Agroforestry
It has found a lot of value in agroforestry areas. Its rapid growth in different types of soil makes it ideal for intercropping with many other crops.
Farmers can also plant these trees with other crops to offer:
- Shade
- Windbreaks
- Organic matter for the soil.
4. Biofuel production
As the demand for renewable energy sources is constantly growing, this tree has now emerged as the potential Paulownia Energy of biofuel feedstocks.
Its high biomass production can make it suitable for bioenergy conversion processes. Many researchers are trying to explore ways to convert this biomass into biofuels.
5. Medicinal properties
Many traditional Chinese medicine was developed by recognizing its medicinal properties. Various parts of this tree such as the leaves, flowers, and seeds, can be used for treating ailments like:
- Inflammation
- Respiratory conditions
- Skin disorders.
Moreover, the extracts of these trees have shown potential in different modern medicines for their antifungal and antibacterial properties.
6. Phytoremediation
It possesses phytoremediation capabilities, which means it can help to clean up polluted soils. The root of these trees has the potential to absorb heavy metals and many other contaminants, thus making them suitable for environmental restoration in industrial sites.
7. Ornamental and landscaping
This tree can also serve as an ornamental plant in various gardens and landscapes. The large, heart-shaped leaves of the tree and showy lavender-blue flowers can make it an attractive choice for beautifying your outdoor spaces.
Conclusion
Paulownia leaves now suggest that it can also be used as feed for animals. The compatibility of these trees can be improved through direct browsing or feeding in the form of pellets with additional studies in other southeastern US regions having a similar climate.
In areas with dry autumns, it may be possible to gather the leaves and convert them into
- Pellets
- Bales
Coppicing and allowing the growth of several trunks might be a better idea if it was exclusively cultivated as a dedicated fodder tree. Follow on Instagram where you can get more information about its new applications and usefulness.
