Kiri tree, also known as Pavlonia, is an important helper against global warming, environmental pollution and ecological desertification problems facing the planet. For this reason, it is known as the “tree of the future” in many cultures. It is considered one of the most beautiful trees in the world with its pink lilac colored flowers. For this reason, it is grown as an ornamental plant today. It is a plant of East Asian origin and is grown mainly in Japan and Korea. It is widely found in China and Southeast Asia, including other parts of Asia.
The Kiri tree is also the highest oxygen producing tree and absorbs ten times more carbon dioxide than any other tree species. An adult kiri tree can absorb up to 21.7 kg of carbon dioxide per day. This fast-growing tree can reach the height of a 40-year-old oak tree in just 8 years. Kiri trees grow up to 27 meters high and live for about 100 years in good conditions.
The trunk diameter can vary between 7-20 meters and they can sprout at least 5 times from the same trunk. The Kiri tree plays an important role in combating deforestation and can easily sprout and grow anywhere in the world. Therefore, it is important to support ecologically beneficial trees such as kiri tree to help protect future green spaces and keep the world’s air clean.
History of the Kiri Tree
The history of the Kiri tree goes back 2600 years. Evidence has been found of its use in prehistoric times, including the king’s coffin of King Yui of China. There are also interesting Chinese legends about the Kiri tree. In the past, a kiri tree was planted in the name of newborn baby girls. When he reached the age of marriage, it was cut and used in the production of wooden materials. At one time, the kiri tree symbol was used on Japanese 500 yen banknotes and insignia given to those who contributed to the country. Kiri tree is also known as Chinese empress tree, Chinese poplar or princess tree. Although its homeland is China, it is also widely grown in Japan and Australia.
Benefits of Kiri Tree
Kiri tree has the potential to prevent erosion thanks to its deep roots. Also, its timber is highly prized and fire resistant. Thanks to its lightness, it can be processed more easily than bamboo. For these reasons, it is used as a raw material in a wide range of areas from ice cream handle production to pencil ruler production, from furniture to coating. The showy mauve flowers of the Kiri tree can completely cover the tree when they sprout. Its nitrogen-rich leaves can reach 40 cm wide and when shed in winter it enriches the soil and acts as a nutritious fertilizer.
The Kiri tree is captivating as it covers the top of its blooms with beautiful indigo to purple flowers. Since these flowers are fragrant and rich in nectar, they are also a food source for bees and other nectar consumers. However, the tree has many other features that make it unique. It is one of the fastest growing tree species in the world and requires only eight years to grow from seed to reach the height of a forty-year-old oak tree. Scientists agree that it is beneficial to use kii wood to reduce air pollution caused by industrialization. Also, the tree is seen as an important solution to the desertification of the planet, as it is resistant to high temperatures.
Due to its benefits, studies are being carried out to spread the Kiri tree around the world. For example, one million kiri trees were planted in the US state of Texas. Texans face health problems due to heavily polluted soil, air, and water supplies. For this reason, they hope to overcome these problems, since the kiri tree is also known for its ability to clean the soil. In addition, many countries in Australia, New Zealand and North-South America are running Pavlonia arboriculture programs to meet the demand for high-quality timber and strengthen sustainable forestry practices. Consequently, the cultivation and propagation of the kiri tree should be encouraged due to its unique characteristics and environmental benefits.
