GENUS PAULOWNIA: VERSATILE WOODSPECIES WITH MULTIPLE USES - A REVIEW

Short-rotation plantations for wood biomass production are systems in which different, fast-growing forest species are grown in intensive agricultural technologies to achieve high biomass yields. The genus paulownia comprises very fast-growing tree species, mainly used in biomass production for energy purposes, but not only. The biomass produced by this plant is used in its entirety; as heating material, industrial, ecological and decorative wood, protection of soil erosion, phytoremediation of polluted soils, air purification, animal feed, pharmaceutical industry, melifer, etc. Among the most promising applications are the production of biopolymers and bioethanol derived from cellulose. The proper cultivation and use of paulownia species contribute to maintaining ecological balance and nature conservation. The main objective of the paper was to carry out a careful and detailed analysis of the specific scientific literature describing their main characteristics and practical applicability to the different species of the genus Paulownia. The paper also examines the importance of cultivating paulownia species under conditions of economic viability while ensuring the maintenance of biodiversity and the protection of ecosystems.