Curt, The web page link did not tell all the story of the Paulownia tree. It was accidently introduced from Asia. The seed is a very fluffy seed that had been used as a packing material and the seed dispersed with the wind when unpacking crates on loading docks. The wood is much desired in Japan as it has been nearly wiped out there due to some disease there like the American Chestnut tree here in the US is almost gone. The wood is desired because of the wood properties. It has very small pores so it is very stable wood. Since it does not shrink/swell much or any with the changes in humidity, it was used to make ceremonial boxes that would fit together with great precision. It was discovered by a visiting Japanese businessman that trees were growing here and prime specimen trees garnered lots of $'s and so word spread and plantations were planted to make money to grow the desired wood. Problem is in the South, the tree grows too quickly and the quality of the wood is not what the Japanese craftsmen are looking for. In many places today, the tree is considered an invasive that needs controlled. DB
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