Paulownia Cotevisa – this is a hybrid tree created in the laboratory with high frost resistance down to -27 °C, making it ideal for cultivation in cold regions of Ukraine. The tree grows quickly: annual growth is 40–50 cm in height and 20 cm in width, reaching a height of 5 to 10 m in three years. The crown has a parachute shape, leaves are large (up to 60 cm in length), light green, and fall after the first frosts. Flowers of a violet-blue shade with a yellow stripe gather in a drooping inflorescence and bloom in April–May; fruits – gray-brown capsules, which ripen in the autumn.
One of the key features of Cotevisa is its wood. It is light (density 300–310 kg/m³ after drying), yet strong and resistant to deformation and shrinkage. Due to the absence of knots and fine grain, the material is ideal for producing furniture, plywood, panels, as well as for building light boats, barges, and even aircraft cabins. The tree is often called “aluminum wood” due to its lightness, which is 30% less than that of ordinary hardwood.
Paulownia Cotevisa is also valued for its ecological benefits: its leaves grow quickly and can absorb a large amount of carbon dioxide, while the deep root system improves soil structure and preserves groundwater. The tree can be harvested for 3 to 5 generations without transplantation, making it economically viable for wood and biomass production. Additionally, honey with a unique aroma is obtained from it, which is used in the food and medical industries.
For planting, it is recommended to choose sunny or semi-shaded places protected from strong winds, on loamy, well-drained soils. In the first 2–3 years, the tree needs covering to protect from sharp temperature fluctuations. Thanks to its versatility and resistance to climatic loads, Pavlovnia Cotevisa is becoming a popular choice as both a decorative tree and industrial raw material in Ukraine.
