I love my empress tree! Once the roots were established the thing grows beautifully.

It blew over this year (3 years worth of growth). Several of the shoots also blew over. Finally one shoot survived the harsh winds we get occasionally and it’s already ~7-8 feet tall.

and the leaves. They look like something from Jurassic park. They’re HUGE!

It's not really a fair comparison since it doesn't need anything to grow on to and growing straight up isn't that hard.