What tree is Paulownia, and which plant family does it belong to?

I. What tree is Paulownia

Paulownia is also called white-flowered Paulownia, hollow tong wood, or large-fruited Paulownia. It is a common deciduous tree, with bark that is gray, gray-black, or gray-brown. When young, the bark is relatively smooth, and when it grows old, vertical fissures appear on it. Its leaves are relatively broad and large, ovate in shape. When it blooms, the flowers are relatively large, white or light purple, borne terminally in panicles. The corolla is funnel-shaped or bell-shaped, and it is quite ornamental during its flowering period every year.

II. What family does Paulownia belong to

Paulownia belongs to the genus Paulownia in the family Scrophulariaceae. The tree species of this genus mostly originate in China, and were introduced to Japan, Vietnam, and other parts of Asia very early on; now they are distributed all over the world. Its tree form is graceful, its flowers are brightly colored, and it has a strong ability to resist pollution and purify the air. It is a good tree species for urban greening, and is therefore very popular.

III. Growth habits of Paulownia

Paulownia likes to grow in environments with sufficient light, and also has a certain tolerance for shade. It can grow well in fertile, moist mountain, hill, or plain areas with deep soil layers. It is mainly distributed in mountain, hill, or plain areas below 1200 m in altitude, and has a relatively strong drought tolerance; it can also maintain normal growth in places with an annual rainfall of 400-500 mm.