Monday, December 23, 2013

The Advantages Of Paulownia Trees

By Harriett Crosby


Paulownia trees are one of best hard wood plants in the world. These species hail from China. However, they are found all over the world. The American people started growing this plant back in the 1880s. They had just received the seedling of the plant from Chinese merchants who used to transit from their country to America on yearly basis. Interestingly, the merchants brought the seedling to America unknowingly. They just wrapped their wares with the Paulownia leaves which would then shed seeds during transit. On arrival to America, the seeds would be thrown away to farms. They then grew on their own to wonderful woods the Americans see today. Since then, the Americans have experienced numerous benefits as explained below.

Soil erosion has remained to be thorn in most farms. However, with the arrival of this tree, the problem was solved. The farmers discovered that the roots of the trees could hold the soil so intact that no external force would detach it. They extensively grew the wood in those steep areas which were vulnerable to soil erosion. The long term effects were accumulation of fertile soil in their farms. Moreover, the roots of the plants stretched so deep to underground water table where they regulated concentration of the salt. It was scientifically proved that growing such trees in salty areas had an effect of minimizing the concentration of the salt which eventually made the water free.

The industrial areas of America were very prone to air pollution. This prompted for an environmental friendly way of minimizing the pollution to be sought. Researchers tried all sorts of plants in vain. All the plants they tried could not grow in such polluted areas. Their zeal led them to try the Paulownia. The plant proved to not only grow in those areas but also help in minimizing air pollution. Its broad leaves efficiently helped in purifying air.

Out of all the hardwood trees grown in China and America, Paulownia species were the lightest and the readily available type. It is for this reason that the wood has remained a popular resource for most carpenters. Its grains were straight and wood is durable. It was neither affected by moisture nor eaten by termites.

Few species of hardwood trees are known to form a micro climate. Paulownia is one of the species. The plant has the ability of absorbing water from underground sources during dry times and evaporating it through its leaves. During the evaporation process, it creates a humid environment around it. This humid environment can support any other plant grown near the tree.

Bee keeping as an economic activity is best supported by this wood. The plant produces purple white flowers with magnificent scent which attracts bees. Numerous farmers in countries like China and Singapore have set up bee hives atop these trees. Bees have inhabited such hives and the results have been a wonderful accumulation of honey in the hives. They harvest such honey and sell to consumers. Through such activity they have been able to earn their livelihood all thanks to this wonderful tree.

Shelter as a basic need has been necessitated by the availability of this wood. The wood has for ages been used to make log homes and furniture. People love to this wood because it is very light to use as a building material. Moreover it is not affected by termites thus it does not rot easily. Also, it is readily available in the market.

Paulownia trees has supplemented livestock feed. Its large leaves have proved to be very rich in essential nutrients necessary for animal health. They are the favorite food for goats, sheep, goats and other types of livestock.




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