This paper traces macro-level trends and changing approaches to plantation forestry, with particular emphasis on tropical and subtropical regions. Introducing the theoretical concept of a paradigm and drawing on the notions of discourse and epistemic community, it analyses the development of knowledge structures present in the history of plantation forestry. The historical context with an economic and developmental focus is provided to better understand the political economy of forest plantations in the South. A typology of plantation paradigms according to the selected criteria is put forth to illustrate both the discursive and technical changes plantation projects underwent in time. The paper concludes with a critical discussion on the parallels between the historical developments, change in economic thought and development aid and their influence on tree-planting activities as well as the strengths, weaknesses and challenges for both the plantation and general forestry epistemic community in the years to come.