A pawlownia tree plantation on the banks of the Burnett River still bearing the scares caused first by years of drought and then by the devastating floods of Australia Day 2013.
In the late 1990 the tree was heralded as the wonder tree of the new century. A native of China, investors were told the tree grew extremely fast, could be grown to earn carbon credits and was worth a fortune. Mature logs could be marketed for up to $10 000 per log was the claim. But the dream was shattered with the drought that bit hard across Australia during the first decade of this century. The plantations failed to thrive and by 2007 the developing company was forced into liquidation with a debt somewhere around $100 million.
Consequently this plantation stands neglected. The upper branches still showing the stress of drought and holding the debris from the flooded waters that covered them in 2013. But they battle on and are presently bursting into flower and will provide a beautiful mauve vista for the next six weeks.
Very interesting Margaret. I had never heard of them but how often does this sort of story get repeated over and over again. @gilbertwood No floods or drought Denise? If there is not one, there is sure to be the other.
