Overview of Crataegus baroussana
Crataegus baroussana, commonly known as Barousse hawthorn, is a deciduous tree or shrub belonging to the Rosaceae family. It is native to Europe and commonly found in the Mediterranean regions, specifically in France and Spain.
General appearance
The plant grows up to 6m tall and has a broad, rounded shape. It has a dense and thorny foliage with small, shiny, dark green leaves that turn to vibrant shades of orange and red in autumn. The flowers of the plant are fragrant and bloom in clusters, featuring five white petals.
Uses
Crataegus baroussana has been used for various medicinal purposes, including the treatment of cardiovascular diseases, insomnia, and anxiety. The leaves, flowers, and fruits of the plant are used to make teas, tinctures, and other herbal remedies.
Barousse hawthorn is also commonly used as an ornamental plant in gardens, parks, and landscaping projects due to its showy flowers and foliage. Additionally, the fruits of the plant are used as a food source for wildlife.
Overall, Crataegus baroussana is a charming plant that offers both medicinal and ornamental benefits. Its hardiness and adaptability make it a great addition to any garden or landscape in the Mediterranean or other suitable climates.
Light Requirements
Crataegus baroussana prefers full sun exposure, which means it requires at least six hours of direct sunlight per day to thrive and grow properly. However, it can also tolerate partial shade conditions, particularly in hot summers or locations with harsh sun exposure.
Temperature Requirements
The ideal temperature range for growing Crataegus baroussana is between 10°C to 30°C. This plant can tolerate extreme heat but only up to a certain extent. Frost or temperatures below -10°C can damage the leaves and flowers.
Soil Requirements
Crataegus baroussana prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter and nutrients. The soil should be slightly acidic to neutral, with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.5. It can grow in a wide range of soil types, including loamy, sandy, and clay soil. It is crucial not to plant this tree in low-lying areas with poor drainage, as this can lead to root rot and poor growth.
Cultivation Methods
Crataegus baroussana is a small tree that can grow up to 6 meters in height. The tree needs to be grown in well-draining soil that contains a lot of organic matter. It thrives well in areas with full sun exposure. Plant the tree in early spring or late fall when the temperature is cooler.
Watering Needs
The tree requires regular watering, especially during the growing season. Water the plant at the base instead of on the foliage to avoid fungal diseases. During the winter period, the tree requires minimal watering since the soil does not dry out quickly.
Fertilization
Crataegus baroussana needs minimal fertilization since it can thrive within a small quantity of nutrients. Fertilize the tree during the spring season with a balanced slow-release fertilizer. Too much fertilizer may affect the quality and flavor of the fruits.
Pruning
Pruning is essential to maintain the tree's health and shape and provide adequate space for light penetration. Prune the tree during the winter season when it is dormant. Trim off all the dead and damaged branches first. Then, remove any branches that are growing inwards, crossing, or have narrow crotch angles. Leave the lateral branches intact since they are the bearing point for the next season's flowers and fruits.
Propagation Methods for Crataegus Baroussana
Propagation is the process of reproducing plants, either sexually or asexually, and is an important aspect of horticulture. There are different methods of propagation, and for Crataegus baroussana, the following methods can be used:
Seed Propagation
One of the easiest ways to propagate Crataegus baroussana is through seed propagation. Collect seeds from the plant during the autumn season, and sow them in a compost-rich soil mix in containers or a seed bed. Keep the soil slightly moist and provide sufficient light, and the seeds should germinate in a few weeks. Once the seedlings are big enough, they can be transplanted to their permanent site in spring.
Cuttings
Cuttings from Crataegus baroussana can be taken in the late summer or early autumn season from new growth. Semi-hardwood cuttings about 10-15cm long with a heel or a node can be taken and treated with rooting hormones before planting in a mix of sand and peat. Cuttings should be kept moist and warm, and should root in about 6-8 weeks. Once rooted, they can be transplanted to their permanent site in spring.
Air-layering
Air-layering can be used to propagate Crataegus baroussana by forcing a branch or stem to grow roots while still attached to the parent plant. Choose a healthy stem of the plant and make a ring of bark about 2cm wide below a node. Pack the area with moist sphagnum moss and wrap it with plastic to keep it moist. Roots should grow in about 3-4 months, and the stem can then be cut and transplanted.
Grafting
Grafting involves joining a piece of the desired plant (the scion) onto a rooted plant (the rootstock) to form a single plant. It is a common method used in horticulture to propagate plant varieties. Crataegus baroussana can be grafted onto a compatible Crataegus rootstock. The two plants will then grow together and form a single plant with the desired characteristics.
Disease Management
Crataegus baroussana is susceptible to a few common diseases, which can be prevented or managed through cultural and chemical methods. One of the most common diseases that can affect the plant is fire blight, which is caused by bacteria that can be introduced through infected pruning tools or insects. The best way to manage this disease is to prune infected branches as soon as they are noticed and destroy them properly. Additionally, sanitation practices should be followed when pruning the plant to prevent the spread of bacteria. Fungicide sprays can also be used as a preventative measure, especially during the blooming period when the disease can spread rapidly.
Leaf spot is another disease that can affect Crataegus baroussana. This disease is caused by fungal pathogens that thrive in humid and wet environments. The disease can be prevented by avoiding overhead watering and keeping the plant dry. If the disease is already present, removal of affected leaves and twigs, followed by a fungicide spray can be effective in controlling it.
Anthracnose is a fungal disease that can also affect the plant, causing leaf spots, blight, and twig dieback. The disease can be prevented through cultural practices such as good drainage, proper pruning, and plant spacing. If the disease is already present, removal of affected plant parts, followed by a fungicide spray can be effective in controlling it.
Pest Management
Crataegus baroussana is usually not severely damaged by pests, but a few insects can cause damage. One of the most common pests is aphids, which can cause yellowing of leaves, stunted growth, and weakened plant vigor. These pests can be managed through cultural methods such as handpicking or spraying water to dislodge them from the plant. Insecticidal soap or neem oil sprays can also be used as a chemical control measure.
Spider mites are another pest that can affect the plant, causing discoloration of leaves and webbing on the plant. These pests can be prevented by maintaining good plant hygiene and humidity levels. If the infestation is already present, insecticidal soap or neem oil sprays can be effective in controlling them.
Scale insects can also be a problem, causing yellowing of leaves and sticky honeydew on the plant. These pests can be managed through cultural methods such as pruning affected branches, followed by insecticidal soap or neem oil sprays. Additionally, introducing natural predators such as ladybugs or lacewings can also control these pests.
