Paulonia or Paulownia is a genus of fast-growing trees, soil regenerator, which adapts to any environment, produces high quality wood and has beautiful foliage. Its cultivation is easy,  highly profitable and thus successfully used for industrial purposes in several countries.

Its name was given in honor of the daughter of Tsar Paul I of Russia, Anna Paulowna (1795-1865) and originates from the temperate forests of China, where there are several species of this genus. The most commonly used species in forestry projects are Paulownia elongata, P. fortuneii, P. kawakamii and hybrids obtained by crossing the higher lines. For ornamental purposes, the most widely used species is Paulownia tomentosa.

This tree, which has been cultivated for more than 3,000 years, was originally planted by Chinese farmers to protect their crops from sand storms and floods to ensure a good harvest. In 1970, studies were initiated to investigate its potential for forest use and genetic analyses started at the beginning of 1990 for adaptability to different climates to support its growing both for reforestation and as a source of wood.