Kiri Tree.
Chris Sanders stands under a six month old Kiri Tree. Photo: © Chris Sanders
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The Tree that Could Save the Planet.
“Trees, by virtue of their universal presence, majestic yet
human scale, bridging the gap between earth and air, are the rightful
symbols of all which humankind aspires to in its relationship with the
planet.” Oscar Beck
A magnificent tree from Japan, the Kiri Tree, also referred to as the Japanese
Empress Tree or the Paulownia, is being
pioneered in Texas. Chris Sanders and Brittany Turner have started a ‘Kiri
Tree Revolution’. Their goal is to plant one
million of these trees across the United States as a way to purify the soil and
make it ‘green’ again.
Not only does the Kiri Tree absorb ten times more carbon dioxide than any other
tree in the world, it also expels a massive amount of oxygen. Texas suffers from
extremely contaminated soil, air and water, the harmful effects of which are a
constant threat to the health of its state residents. However, The Kiri Tree
actually flourishes in toxic soil and water, purifying the land as it
matures. It is also the fastest growing tree on Earth. When planted from seed,
after eight years, it will be the same size as a 40-year-old oak tree and
in one year alone it can grow up to 15 feet!
Since no one has planted Kiri Trees in Texas yet, Chris and Brittany have been
experimenting with seedlings, trying to
find the toughest strains that will survive the Texas climate. They are
documenting their project on MySpace in the
hope that this knowledge will enable the variety to be planted not just
throughout Texas but all over the United States
too.
The name Kiri came from the Japanese word to cut, as it was believed that the
tree would grow better and quicker
if it was cut down frequently. Left to grow it can reach over 30 feet in height,
bearing fragrant blossoms in April or May,
turning the air sweet with perfume. The leaves make great tea – high in
protein and nitrogen – and the flowers are a
tasty addition to any salad. Bees love the blossom too: the honey is sweet and
light and there is, apparently, no other
honey quite like it.
Japanese farmers once planted Kiri Trees upon the birth of a daughter because it
was so fast growing that by the time
she was ready to marry, the tree could be cut down and made into a tansu or
chest. The Chinese have been planting
Kiri Trees for many centuries around their dwellings, in order to bring good
luck and to attract the mythical Phoenix.
According to Chinese legend, the bird – a symbol of immortality that sets
itself on fire to rejuvenate – is said to ‘alight
only in the branches of the Kiri Tree’ and that its immortality is gained from
‘sipping the dew of its flowers’.
The Kiri Tree is the tree of the future. With its speed of growth and many uses,
these ‘lungs of the world’ are set to play
an invaluable part in the survival of the human race and the rejuvenation of the
planet.
To follow the progress of the Kiri Tree go to
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