Solitary Paulownia

Solitary Paulownia

　　This is a tree species that appeared in Pizhou 4,000 years ago. According to the "Tribute of Yu": "Mount Yiyang, covered with solitary paulownia." Mount Yiyang refers to today's Jugong Mountain (known as Geji Mountain in the Han Dynasty). At that time, the paulownia trees that grew abundantly on the mountain had superior wood, and instruments made from it produced especially clear tones. Hence, historical texts describe it as "excellent material for crafting musical instruments." It became a tribute item presented to kings, renowned throughout the land. It was rare across the country, hence called the "solitary paulownia."

　　　　Later historical records have also mentioned it. During the Jin Dynasty, Fu Tao specially visited Mount Yiyang to see the solitary paulownia. In his work "Record of the Western Expedition," he noted that at the time, he still saw solitary paulownia trees with "twisted roots and intertwined branches." Today, Pizhou still has paulownia trees, commonly known as Paulownia tomentosa. They prefer soft, sandy soil, fear waterlogging, tolerate fertile conditions, grow vigorously, but have coarse and loose wood, and cannot thrive on mountainous terrain. Whether the solitary paulownia from 4,000 years ago was the same species is difficult to confirm.