Phoenixwood

"Phoenixwood is proving to be one of those rare environmental solutions that also makes economic sense."

The mitigating effects of sustainable forest cultivation on climatic change and the environment are a good news story for our planets future. Being aware of this fact Norman Europe is proud to announce the launch of their new wood blind program “Privacywood”. All “Privacywood” blinds are made of finest Phoenixwood, a sustainable tree species that has genuine green environmental credentials.

The Phoenixwood tree, also known as Paulownia or Kiri tree, is one of the world’s fastest growing tree species. Sawn timber can be harvested in less than 10 years, and after harvesting a new tree can grow from the original the stump (coppice growth), using the old and well established root system. This procedure can be repeated several times, saving post-harvest clearing, land erosion and the resultant runoff and river salinity. Actually this extraordinary capability bestowed on this species the common name “Phoenixwood”.

But this very adaptable tree is also favoured for another very important environmental reason. With their giant leaves these trees act as huge lungs to srcub the air. Every year each tree removes large amounts of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere replenishing this with oxygen. In addition the leaves that drop each winter, release nitrogen and increase soil fertility.

The Phoenixwood tree has a long tap root system that regulates the water table. It keeps soil salinity in check and absorbs waste water pollutants. Because its root system does not compete with the roots of most crops and it increases soil fertility, it is a favoured tree species used for intercropping. Phoenixwood trees also improves the microclimate by reducing the effects of drying winds and increasing air moisture during the dry season, by absorbing underground water from deeper layers and humidifying the air by transpiration. The huge leaves of the Phoenixwood are sparse, allowing plenty of light to come through, thus food crops obtain much light at all times (around 20% - 40% light penetration)

Besides the extraordinary benefits of growing Phoenixwood, all parts of the trees can be used for commercial sale. This is another reason why 11 species of Phoenixwood are successfully used in agroforestry projects and for intercropping on close to 13 million hectares of farmland throughout China.

The stories that surround the Phoenixwood name are numerous. Its capability of growing a new tree from the stump after harvesting is one legend. Another legend from ancient chinese folklore is that the Phoenix, a mythical bird of immortality only perches on the branches of the Phoenixwood tree. Whatever the legend it is truely a unique and remarkable tree species.

Wood characteristics:
- Dimensionally stable, consistently knot-free, durable and light hardwood
- Air dry density of 300kg per m² (Air drying takes 30 days)
- Beautiful light honey to blond colour
- One of the highest strength to weight ratios
- Extraordinary wood grain with a silky and satin appearcance
- Free of volatile oils and low in resin – fire retardant (ignition temperature 420˚ to 430˚ C)
- Resists splitting and warping
- Accepts almost any kind of oils, stains, lacquers, polishes and paints
- Low thermal conductivity, thus excellent insulation qualities
- Naturally resistant to rotting and decay
- Sound absorbent
- Easy to sand, saw, plane mould turn and carve

Usage of Phoenixwood:
In Japan originally the Phoenixwood tree was planted when a baby girl was born. That specific tree was than used to craft a fine dresser on time for the wedding, handed over to her as a wedding gift. But today there are many various areas were Phoenixwood is used

Common Usage:
- Soundboards of stringed musical instruments (mostly asian)
- Cabinets
- Shutters and venetian blinds
- Exposed joinery such as doors, windows, veneers and decortaive moldings
- Wall paneling and folding partitions
- Humidors and decorative containers (jewelery boxes, bowls etc.)

Contemporary Usage:
- Marine construction
- Aircraft construction
- Trucks, Trains, Buses
- Vehicle interiors
- Furniture
- Body for modern E-guitars and other instruments
- Surfboards and cores for snowboards

Phoenixwood leaf:

- rich in protein (16.2%), carbohydrates (9.44%) and minerals - late leaf emerge favors the growth of summer crops - late leaf fall protects autumn crops from damage - crown of paulownia tree is thin and a considerable amount of light can pass through - dropped leaves release nitrogen and increase soil fertility Ideal usage: animal fodder, green fertilizer, medicinal properties (a 10 year-old-tree produces 80 kg of dry leaves per year)

Phoenixwood flowers

Phoenixwood seeds bark and branches:

- All site products are reusable and therefore considerably increase income of rural people using Paulownia for intercropping: Seeds: Sold all over the world for further plantation and agroforestry projects Bark: just as the leaves and flowers it has medicinal properties Branches: can be used for fuelwood (a 10 year-old-tree produces 100kg of dry branches)