Paulownia kawakamii

Paulownia kawakamii
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Eudicots
Clade: Asterids
Order: Lamiales
Family: Paulowniaceae
Genus: Paulownia
Species:
P. kawakamii
Binomial name
Paulownia kawakamii
T.Itô
Synonyms[2]
  • Paulownia rehderiana Hand.-Mazz.
  • Paulownia thyrsoidea Rehder
  • Paulownia viscosa Hand.-Mazz.

Paulownia kawakamii, commonly known as the sapphire dragon tree,[3] is a tree species in the family Paulowniaceae. The tree is native to Taiwan and southern China.[2] It is deciduous and bears many large violet flowers in early spring before the leaves appear.

Paulownia kawakamii is an IUCN Red List critically endangered plant species, that is threatened by habitat destruction in its native range.[1][4]

The species was first described by Tokutarô Itô in 1912.[2]

Cultivation

Paulownia kawakamii is cultivated by plant nurseries, for use as an ornamental tree. In Southern California it is reported to be deep-rooted, and generally does not lift adjacent pavement.[5]

References

  1. ^ a b Pan, F.J. (1998). "Paulownia kawakamii". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 1998 e.T31352A9628559. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.1998.RLTS.T31352A9628559.en. Retrieved 14 November 2021.
  2. ^ a b c "Paulownia kawakamii T.Itô". Plants of the World Online. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. Retrieved 17 March 2026.
  3. ^ Begeman, John. "Sapphire Dragon Tree". University of Arizona. Archived from the original on June 14, 2009. Retrieved 2009-09-27.
  4. ^ IUCN Red List of all Threatened Species.
  5. ^ San Marcos Growers: Paulownia kawakamii (Sapphire dragon tree)