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Characteristics of Paulownia
The fast‑growing tree with light, stable and sustainable wood for high‑performance projects.

Properties of the Paulownia Tree

Fast Growth
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It has been recognized by Guinness as one of the fastest‑growing trees in the world.
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Under professional management, it can reach around 17 m in 6 years.

Trunk Regrowth
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After the first cut, Paulownia sprouts back from the stump.
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It can regrow 3 to 5 times, reducing replanting costs.

Carbon Sequestration
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High CO₂ sequestration capacity per hectare per year.
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Ideal for carbon credit projects and land restoration.

Large, Nutritious Leaves
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Leaves up to 70 cm in diameter.
Protein content above 20% in young leaves, which can supplement animal feed.

Nectar‑Rich Flowers
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Highly attractive flowers for bees.
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They support beekeeping and local biodiversity.

Organic Matter and Soil
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Produces a large volume of leaf biomass annually.
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Enriches the soil and improves its physical structure.

Agroforestry Systems (AFS)
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Suitable for agroforestry systems and intercropped plantations.
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Allows intercropped cultivation (grains, pasture, coffee, etc.).

Sterile Seeds and Non‑Invasive (Hybrids)
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Híbridos vendidos pela Paulownia Brasil possuem sementes estéreis.
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Os materiais usados comercialmente não apresentam comportamento invasivo.
Characteristics of Paulownia Wood
Weight and Stability

Extremely Lightweight Wood
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Oven‑dry density around 260–320 kg/m³.
Much lighter than pine and other high‑value woods.

High Dimensional Stability
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Low shrinkage during drying.
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Low tendency to warp and twist.
Strength and Performance

Good strength‑to‑weight ratio
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Excellent strength‑to‑weight ratio.
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Suitable for light construction, panels, fine woodworking, and light structural components.

High Ignition Temperature
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Begins combustion at around 420–430 °C.
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Higher than most commercial woods, improving fire safety.
Machining and Finishing

Easy to Work
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Cuts, sands, and routs easily.
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Accepts nails, screws, and glues with good holding strength.

Premium Finish
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Smooth, uniform texture with few knots.
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Takes varnishes, stains, paints, and oils very well.
Moisture, Pests, and Insulation

Good Moisture Tolerance
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Not “waterproof,” but tolerates humid environments well when dried and treated.
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Used in light boats, boards, and artisanal nautical applications.

Lower Susceptibility to Pests
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Presença de taninos diminui ataque de cupins e brocas.
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Não substitui manejo, mas é naturalmente menos atrativa que várias madeiras comuns.

Thermal and Acoustic Insulator
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Cell structure promotes thermal insulation.
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Performs well in sound absorption and vibration damping.
Summary Technical Data for Paulownia Wood
Propriedade | Valor indicativo* |
|---|---|
Dry density | ~260–320 kg/m³ |
Green density | ~700–800 kg/m³ |
Modulus of elasticity | ~6,3 GPa |
Tensile strength | ~42 MPa |
Compressive strength | ~20 MPa |
Ignition temperature | ~420–430 °C |
Calorific value (biomass) | ~15–18 MJ/kg |
Approximate average values, varying according to management, age, and local conditions.
Benefits of Paulownia in Agroforestry Systems (SAF)

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Enables intercropping with commercial crops (grains, pastures, coffee, fruits, etc.)

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Moderate shade, adjustable through pruning.

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Deep root system, reducing direct competition with shallow roots.

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Regular leaf production for biomass and green manure.

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Improves soil structure, fertility, and biological activity.
Frequently asked questions
Paulownia Tree & Timber Properties
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Fast growth (in the 6th year it can reach 17 m in height and 36 cm in trunk diameter)
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The tree regrows from the trunk 3 to 5 times after the first cut.
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Trees grow straight and their trunks have no knots.
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Paulownia is not considered an invasive species.
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It is a tree that incorporates a lot of organic matter into the soil, enriching it.
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Its flowers are very melliferous
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They can make up an agroforestry system (SAF)
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Allows intercropping, such as cereals, pasture for livestock, etc.
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It is at the top of the ranking of trees that sequester the most carbon (CO2)
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Produces up to 10 times more oxygen than native deciduous tree species
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