An elderly lady in my neighborhood asked me what kind of plant she has growing in her garden. I do not know. You maybe? The plant is now about 3 m. high. The leaves are 40-50 cm in diameter. The stem is smooth and I think hollow. Perhaps from seed for the birds? I add a photo. Thank you.
Asker: Maryann, 58 years old
Answer
Dear Marian,
This is a Paulownia tomentosa (Thunb.) Steud. or Keizersboom. This Chinese tree grows 10 to 25 meters high. It is often pruned back close to the ground every year and the new shoots then bear huge leaves (up to approx. 60 cm wide).
Best regards,
Answered by
drs. Marc Reynders
Biology, systematics and evolution of seed plants. Specialized in tropical Cyperaceae.
university of Ghent
http://www.ugent.be
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