Detail

`Paulownia tree (or paulownia imperialis) has been chosen for the November issue of the plant stamp series. There is an old saying that parent would plant this tree when a girl is born to use its wood for making an all-paulownia chest of drawers in future, a gift to be given on their daughter`s wedding. The tree likewise has held its place in our life through the history as a precious and important being. Its wood has the brilliance of white silk and is light and beautiful. It is not only of non-moisture-absorbing but fire-resisting quality. Especially, its wood texture is so uniform that it is treasured as superb materials for making valuable furnitures. Its wood is also used for marking Korean classical musical instruments such as Komun-ko and Kayako(a long zither with strings stretched over movable bridges) which are well-known for their beautiful tone. The plant belongs to Paulownia family and is a defoliating, broad-leaved high tree. It grows as high as about 10m and has egg-shaped leaves with many short furs on the back. In May conical shaped white or purple flowers bloom on the ends of branches. Its round fruits ripen, dangling from the branch ends, during the period from October to November. The plant is a special product of Korea and grows in fertile soil rear or about villages throughout the country. Its wood is used for making chest of drawers, wooden clogs, cases and musical instruments etc.`