Forum Archive Index - September 2000

[Chris <cd@ak.planet.gen.nz>]

Yes Jeremy, I first heard about Paulownia about '92.  Maybe a few 
passionate hobby farmers have got some growing on but I am not aware of 
any commercial stands.  Tensile strength and elasticity are its' 
shortcomings and lousy butt log size.  

Tasmanian Blackwood is hard to grow straight in NZ but does well in 
temperate Australia.  See Tony H's previous post where he sums it up 
well.  Better used in furniture than construction IMHO.  Tasmanian Oak is 
Eucalypt Obliqua.  Has good density, straight pale brown fibre.  The fair 
colourings are an attraction.  Lots of this around NZ and available at 
reasonable prices. 

Great to have a little tangential discussion about trees and things.  Tis 
good to remember it was not too many years ago that some smart alec 
thought P Radiata from coastal California would do well on his farm.  A 
healthy bit of government interference and an unhealthy depression helped 
create the industry we have today.  A family called Fletcher and the 
arrival of the State House(oh no not more government interference) kicked 
it on to where it is now. FOR SALE 


Chris

  
Jeremy wrote;
>Just an aside.  There is an ultra fast growing hardwood tree touted here in
>Australia called Paulownia.  It grows faster than radiata and supposedly
>produces good quality hardwood within 10-15 years

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