Deep Ecology Organizations
Paulownia tree Organic Nitrogen
Possibly this is the largest, by comparable overall mass and weight, of
all nitrogenous species. Having originated in China, this deciduous
tree can easily grow to 50 feet, often with leaves to 20 inches across.
This tree grows FAST.
* From planting to 5 years, it can be felled as a stable millable
timber, used for artistic carpentry, veneers, glory-boxes, cabinet
making, general lightweight furniture and musical instruments;
* from 5 to 10 years, it can be milled for projects requiring a more resilient timber, such as chairs and interior walls;
* from 10 years and on, it becomes millable as a hardwood for construction and structural quality timber;
* has a very high ignition point, and is also rot and warp resistant.
* At any point in its growth after 3 years, it can be utilized to make rather excellent charcoal, for artworks.
All of these qualities make it a rather attractive timber commercially.
Once cut, at any age, after having shed its stored nitrogen –
comparable to the biomass it has lost, the stump will re-shoot. The
shed nitrogen becoming fertiliser for the soil. The re-growth can then
be selectively pruned to re-start the whole plantation process.
Grazing animals find the leaves quite palatable, too, and it is not
uncommon to let them graze on the re-growth between the rows in
plantation systems.
Compatible plant species, with particular micro-environmental climatic
needs, such as coffee, cocoa, lychees, or any other understorey crop
for that matter, fare very well with this system. (more about this in
another article)
After the second or third season of growth (now at approx. 16 feet),
Paulownias start to flower, adding yet another fascinating dimension to
this remarkable tree.
The flowers, from lilac, or light mauve to white, are produced on
panicles about 18 inches long, or deep, remarkably similar foxglove
flowers.
As each flower falls from the panicle, they make an audible sound when
they hit the ground, they are so heavy. The flowers are a prime source
of bee food and subsequently produce a light, uniquely flavored, high
quality honey.
The seed-pod is fairly non-descript, other than that it is a dry pod
containing myriad minute seeds. (more on this in a following article)
The leaves, being huge, either green or spent, make an excellent mulch, or green manure, high in nitrogen.
There is also anecdotal evidence of the leaves being used in alternative therapies, such as a hedge against intestinal worms.
Paulownias will grow in poor to degraded soils and are often used as a
reclamation species. The only apparent specific growing needs being,
plenty of sun and a dislike of wet feet.
Being a very deep rooted plant, and a phyto-remediator species,
Paulownias take up and process contaminants present in ruined land, in
return delivering masses of organic material to bolster the land.
Due to the rapid rate Paulownia trees grow and their ease of
regeneration, they make an excellent primary reclamation species,
especially if incorporated with grazing animals.
Biomass builds phenomenally fast using this method, and reclamation of ecologically ruined land, is actually assured.
Indeed the paulownia is almost a miracle tree.
About the Author
Organic Gardening Magic
Organic Food Gardening Beginners Manual
Compost – feed your plants as Nature really intended.
TEDxSiliconValley – David de Rothschild – 12/12/09
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