details

Statement of Significance

Tree has been removed, December 2016
This Paulownia is significant for aesthetic and scientific reasons at Regional level. It is outstanding for its large height at 16 metres and its canopy spread of 19-20 metres. It is an outstanding example of the species. This Paulownia is also of outstanding aesthetic significance.

Location

At Ovens, on the main road between Myrtleford and Bright.

Other

This tree was one of about 3 planted on the property. The current owner was told that the tree was planted on the birth of the previous family's daughter as some sort of "chastity" tree - probably confused with the Japanese tradition of planting one of these trees on the birth of a daughter to be then cut down and used to make a Glory Box or chest of drawers for the daughter when she is married.

This species was once thought to be the answer to the wood shortage issues in Asia. Introduced into Australia about 30 years ago as a plantation tree, but it requires very good soil and high summer rainfall to flourish which is not common in Australia and has therefore been of limited commercial success. This tree is a particularly large specimen of the species in Victoria. There is an avenue of these trees along the rail-trail in Bright, but nowhere near the size of this tree.

Notes

Two sets of photos - leaf fall in June and leafless in August.
Owner happy for tree to be nominated, but did not what to be named.
Previous owner planted the tree when his daughter was born (apparently a Japanese tradition). Age of tree based on previous owner's information passed on to current owner. Apparently, current owner says it is quite common for people to stop and take photographs of the tree in summer. Some broken/cut branches in crown. Tree growing in river gravel (Ovens River floodplain).