Author Topic: Unknown Giant, perhaps Paulownia? (Read 1055 times)

Paul T · « **on:** February 23, 2011, 12:00:17 PM »

Howdy All,

I came across this giant in a neighbouring suburb yesterday, and went back and photographed it today. It is currently at least 4m tall (that is a two storey house next to it), with leaves all the way down to perhaps 75cm from the ground. It looks for all the world like a giant sunflower in appearance, but as you can see by the top there is no sign of a terminal flower developing, plus if it was at 4m I can only imagine what size the flower would be.

I haven't been up close to the plant, photographing it from across the road, but I guess the largest leaves are perhaps 50 or 60cm across.

So, what the heck is it? It looks like all this growth is fresh and hasn't been through any sort of dormancy or maturity. I think that is also why it looks so much like a giant sunflower. Now I'm wondering whether this is a Powton or Paulownia or something, as I think these are famed for how quickly they grow. This thing must almost be growing at a huge rate of knots at present.

Does anyone have any idea what it is? Are my guesses close? Thanks for any information.

Maren · « **Reply #1 on:** February 23, 2011, 12:02:09 PM »

Hi,

why don't you go and ask them nicely what it is? You might acquire a new soulmate.

Paul T · « **Reply #2 on:** February 23, 2011, 12:05:16 PM »

Maren,

It's sort of in an odd place. The back of the house next to it faces onto the street around the corner, and the "house" is actually a couple of flats/townhouses (not exactly sure what to call them), so I have no idea whether they planted it, or an owner, or someone else? It is the only one in the area so it is not a standard street tree. It was also the middle of the day on a weekday, and I work all day on weekends, so it makes it a bit harder to just go and knock on someone's door. I may end up going one evening though, if we can't work out what it is.

johnw · « **Reply #3 on:** February 23, 2011, 12:10:36 PM »

Looks like a baby Paulownia tomentosa to me. These things grow at an alarming rate, even here, though often freezing to the ground.

johnw

Paul T · « **Reply #4 on:** February 23, 2011, 12:35:12 PM »

John,

Ah, so you're thinking the same way I am re ID. I'm guessing it has only been planted this year. If it has already hit 4m plus, it'll be shading half of the city by next year.

Maggi Young · « **Reply #5 on:** February 23, 2011, 12:47:30 PM »

Paul, stand in the road beside the tree and shout "Jack" at the top of your voice..... the owner will surely come to the sound of his name........then you can check the name with him.... just before he shins up it....

johnw · « **Reply #6 on:** February 23, 2011, 01:26:45 PM »

Paul - I suppose in your climate it could be one of a number of species of Paulownia. Whichever, it should really take off next year now that it has its feet in the ground.

johnw

Paul T · « **Reply #7 on:** February 23, 2011, 10:59:58 PM »

Like I said John, it'll be shading half the city by next year.

ArnoldT · « **Reply #8 on:** February 23, 2011, 11:15:09 PM »

Paul:

At night sneak over and snap off a leaf. It has a distinctive smell.

Just keep an eye out for the watch dog.

Paul T · « **Reply #9 on:** February 23, 2011, 11:27:51 PM »

Thanks, Arnold. I'll keep that in mind.

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