Thursday, December 19, 2013

By Harriett Crosby


Recently, the royal paulownia has become a popular topic in the cyberspace. A lot of people have been claiming about the tree's wondrous property. Not surprisingly, a few tend to disagree. While some encourage planting and growing this tree, others consider it wrong. Before believing any of the information posted on various forum, it is prudent to delve deeper and analyze the data.

Even if the vast publicity about the tree makes it appealing, the information has to be assessed. Objectively validate the claims to avoid misinformation. Among the qualities that claimants attribute to the tree include its magnificent beauty, high wood value and extraordinary growth. They add that the plant can be used to feed livestock, resist insects and improve soil component. The tree rapidly grows, too.

This tree has been known with many regal names. It is called the Empress Tree, Kiri Tree, Sapphire Princess, Princess Tree, and Kawakami among others. Rightfully so, it has been a part of numerous traditions spanning across various continents. In fact, its name, Royal Paulownia, was after Russia's Princess Anna Pavlovna.

It is part of the Chinese tradition to plant an Empress tree during the birth of a baby girl. The tree grows up with the child. When the girl marries, the tree is cut down then carved into different wooden articles. Popular Asian string instruments are made out of the wood from the Empress tree. Among them are the Japanese koto and Korean kayagum.

At present, the royal tree is still quite popular in the timber industry. Its lumber has terrific stalwart quality. Unlike most wood, it does not easily warp, crack or twist. It is light and air curable. This makes it perfect for moldings, doors, veneers, window frames and furniture. Interestingly, the Empress Tree is not quite active in the US market yet.

This lack of reception can be both a good and bad thing. Since this product is relatively new to the market, it has the potential to flourish. If invested properly, it can easily become a profitable business. However, only a few investors may be interested because its marketability is yet to be tested. Thus, this business involves high risks.

One other reason that makes this plant popular in the lumber industry is its relatively speedy growth. While most trees take ten or twelve years before harvesting, the Empress tree can be harvested in a matter of five or seven years. In business perspective, this means gaining more profits over a shorter period. Slower rate of growth may add up to its sturdiness, though.

The Empress tree has special place in gardening, too. Since it grows quickly, this plant is ideal for landscapes. It can also provide shade in a considerably short period of time. However, there are drawbacks to watch out for, too. The plant is quite messy. It also outgrows the other plants in competition for soil, water and other nutrient.

All in all, the royal paulownia offers a potential business that is economical and profitable. Growing the tree proves to be practically brilliant. Not to mention how easy it can be reproduced. Its propagation can be through its seed or root sprout. Just be prudent enough and consider every factor, including the possible threats. Like all other plants, this is also susceptible to root rot, diseases and drought.




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