Paulownia

A deciduous tree in the Paulowniaceae, native to China and long cultivated and naturalized across Japan. Exceptionally fast-growing; the light, soft, beautifully grained wood is the classic material for tansu chests, geta clogs, koto instruments, and paulownia storage boxes. Tradition held that planting one when a daughter was born would yield wood for her bridal chest. In May, large pale-purple tubular flowers open in panicles — also a valuable honey source. The paulownia appears on Japanese government emblems and the 500-yen coin.

Identification Points

• ✓Large cordate leaves, 20–40 cm wide
• ✓Pale purple tubular flowers in panicles
• ✓Very light wood used for tansu and koto

Morphological TraitsAI-estimated, needs verification

Phylogenetic Positionノウゼンカズラ科 →