Wimbledon tree of the month

In appreciation of my local area, I've decided to nominate a 'Tree of the month'. This will be a local tree I feel has notable characteristics to make this example special. It might be an unusual specimen, not often seen in the area, or it might just be a fine example of it's type. Sometimes it's position in the landscape or environment elevates it from something average to something striking. 

Paulownia tomentosa (also known as the Empress Tree, Princess Tree or Foxglove Tree 

I have admired this specimen for many years. Found at the junction of Pepys Road and Langham Road, it really grabs attention in May, with it's spectacular flowers, which are produced before the leaves. The panicles with a purple corolla do resemble a foxglove flower, and not often seen in such a public position. Centred on a small triangle of green turf, it seems to enjoy it's position where it benefits from full sun. I have seen them in private gardens where they are pollarded to keep them small and maximise their leaf size and create drama. But this process means you never see the blooms as they only form on mature wood!

In China, an old custom is to plant this tree when a baby girl is born. The fast-growing tree matures when she does. When she is eligible for marriage the tree is cut down and carved into wooden articles for her dowry.