This is so interesting ! Thank you for sharing. I’m curious, did you happen to brush upon the topic of Paulownia plantations in China? I’ve heard there was quite a trend in planting paulownias starting a few decades ago in China. Europe is now catching up on the Paulownia market but there is very little perspective and experiences to draw upon for this type of plantation…
Oh awesome thanks for checking with him directly! I didn’t know it was also used for military and industrial applications… how interesting. I’ve planted a few myself (the ornemental type) and I’ve come across some hybrid varieties planted by farmers in Europe for timber production. So far mine are disease free… I’ll look it up! Amazing information, Thank you so much!
We didn't talk about Paulownia actually but I checked with the expert just now: "Paulownia is a major afforestation and street tree in northern China, and Henan is one of the provinces with the largest area of Paulownia cultivation. Paulownia can generate substantial economic benefits — it is an excellent material for making furniture and an indispensable wood for string instruments. It is also widely used in the military and industrial sectors. However, during its growth, Paulownia is prone to a particularly troublesome and common disease — witches' broom." This is where a leading forestry expert's been working to tackle these days and cultivated new breeds: https://www.stdaily.com/web/gdxw/2025-01/23/content_290182.html
This is so interesting ! Thank you for sharing. I’m curious, did you happen to brush upon the topic of Paulownia plantations in China? I’ve heard there was quite a trend in planting paulownias starting a few decades ago in China. Europe is now catching up on the Paulownia market but there is very little perspective and experiences to draw upon for this type of plantation…
Oh awesome thanks for checking with him directly! I didn’t know it was also used for military and industrial applications… how interesting. I’ve planted a few myself (the ornemental type) and I’ve come across some hybrid varieties planted by farmers in Europe for timber production. So far mine are disease free… I’ll look it up! Amazing information, Thank you so much!
I also find that interesting. All I knew was the flowers were quite beautiful.
We didn't talk about Paulownia actually but I checked with the expert just now: "Paulownia is a major afforestation and street tree in northern China, and Henan is one of the provinces with the largest area of Paulownia cultivation. Paulownia can generate substantial economic benefits — it is an excellent material for making furniture and an indispensable wood for string instruments. It is also widely used in the military and industrial sectors. However, during its growth, Paulownia is prone to a particularly troublesome and common disease — witches' broom." This is where a leading forestry expert's been working to tackle these days and cultivated new breeds: https://www.stdaily.com/web/gdxw/2025-01/23/content_290182.html