Origin
Crataegus divisa Sarg. is a flowering plant species that belongs to the Rosaceae family. The plant is native to China and can be found in provinces like Guizhou, Hubei, Sichuan, and Yunnan.
Common Names
The plant is commonly referred to as Chinese hawthorn. In China, it is known as Shan zha or San cha. In other parts of the world, it is simply called hawthorn.
Uses
Crataegus divisa Sarg. has a long history of medicinal use in China. The plant's fruit and leaves are used to treat ailments like poor digestion, high cholesterol, and high blood pressure. The fruit is often processed into a juice or herbal tea that promotes heart health and digestion. The plant's flowers are also used to make a traditional Chinese liquor called Jinjiu.
Aside from its medicinal uses, hawthorn is also popular for its ornamental value. It is often grown as a hedge or small tree in gardens and parks, thanks to its attractive foliage and beautiful pink or white flowers that bloom in spring. Additionally, the plant's fruit is edible and is used to make jellies, syrups, and other food products.
General Appearance
Crataegus divisa Sarg. is a deciduous shrub or small tree that can grow up to 6 meters tall. The plant has a round or oval-shaped crown that is densely covered with thorns. The leaves are dark green, glossy, and are deeply lobed. The plant's flowers are pink or white and are clustered in small groups. The fruit is a small, round, and red pome that is about 1 cm in diameter. The fruit contains a hard, brown seed that is not usually consumed.
Growth Conditions of Crataegus Divisa Sarg.
Light Requirements: Crataegus divisa Sarg. prefers full sunlight to partial shade. It can tolerate some shading in hot climates but will not thrive in dense shade conditions. Therefore, it is best to plant the species in an area with at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight per day.
Temperature Requirements: Crataegus divisa Sarg. grows best in temperate regions with cool to cold winters and mild summers. The optimal temperature range for growth is between 15°C to 25°C (59°F to 77°F), but can also tolerate temperatures as low as -35°C (-31°F).
Soil Requirements: Crataegus divisa Sarg. grows well in deep, well-drained soils. However, it can also grow in a variety of soil types, including clay, loam, and sandy soils, as long as they are well-drained. The species prefers slightly acidic to neutral soils, with a pH range of 5.5 to 7.5. It is also tolerant of drought once established, but regular watering during the first year after planting is essential for healthy growth.
Nutrient Requirements: Crataegus divisa Sarg. is not a heavy feeder and does not require much fertilizer. However, it can benefit from a balanced fertilizer applied once a year in the early spring. It is best to avoid fertilizers that are high in nitrogen, which can promote vegetative growth at the expense of fruit and flower production.
Other Growth Factors: The species is susceptible to certain pests and diseases, including fire blight and leaf spot. Therefore, it is important to monitor the plant for any signs of infestation and use appropriate measures to control the spread of the disease. Additionally, proper pruning is crucial to maintain the health and shape of the plant.
Cultivation Methods for Crataegus Divisa Sarg.
Crataegus Divisa Sarg., commonly known as the Cockspur hawthorn, is a hardy plant that thrives in full sunlight and moderate temperatures. It prefers well-drained soils that are rich in organic matter. The ideal pH for the soil is neutral to slightly acidic, around 6.0-7.5. The plant can be propagated by seeds or cuttings. Seed propagation is more challenging, and it's recommended to use cuttings as they have better success rates.
Watering Needs for Crataegus Divisa Sarg.
Crataegus Divisa Sarg. requires moderate watering, especially during the growing season. The plant should be watered deeply once every week, ensuring that the soil remains moist. If the soil dries out, the plant's leaves can wilt, and the fruits may not develop correctly. During the dry season, it may require more frequent watering to keep the soil moist.
Fertilization of Crataegus Divisa Sarg.
Fertilization should be done in the early stages of plant growth, especially if the soil is deficient in nitrogen, phosphorus, or potassium. However, avoid using fertilizers that are high in nitrogen as they can promote vegetative growth rather than fruiting. Organic fertilizers such as compost and aged manure are recommended as they enrich the soil with nutrients and improve soil structure. Fertilizing should be done twice a year, in early spring before the growing season, and in autumn before the winter season.
Pruning of Crataegus Divisa Sarg.
Pruning is essential to maintain the shape and size of the plant and can also promote fruiting. It's recommended to prune the plant in late winter or early spring before the growing season. Remove any diseased, damaged, or dead branches. Also, remove any suckers that arise from the plant's base and any crossing branches. Cutting back the branches helps to promote bushier growth and increases air circulation through the canopy, reducing the risk of disease and pest infestation.
Propagation of Crataegus Divisa Sarg.
Crataegus divisa Sarg., commonly known as Quebec hawthorn, is a deciduous shrub or small tree that is native to eastern North America. It is a hardy plant that prefers moist and well-drained soils.
Propagation of Crataegus divisa Sarg. can be achieved through various methods, including:
Seed Propagation
Seeds can be collected from the ripe fruit of the plant in the fall. Once collected, the seeds should be scarified or stratified to break their dormancy. Scarification can be achieved by rubbing the seeds with sandpaper, while stratification involves exposing the seeds to cold temperatures for a period of time. Once prepared, the seeds can be sown in a well-draining soil mix and kept moist until germination occurs.
Hardwood Cutting Propagation
Cuttings can be taken from hardwood stems of the plant during the fall or winter. They should be around 6-8 inches in length and have a diameter of around ¼ inch. The cuttings should then be dipped in rooting hormone, planted in a well-draining soil mix and kept in a warm and humid environment until roots have formed.
Air Layering Propagation
Air layering is a propagation method that involves creating a wound and then encouraging the plant to grow roots from that wound. It is typically done in the spring or early summer. To air layer a Crataegus divisa Sarg. plant, a small incision is made in the stem and a rooting hormone is applied to the wound, which is then wrapped in a ball of damp sphagnum moss. The moss ball is then covered in plastic wrap to maintain moisture levels. Once roots have formed, the stem can be cut below the moss ball and potted up.
Propagation of Crataegus divisa Sarg. can be rewarding, providing gardeners with additional plants to enjoy. Gardeners should choose the propagation method that works best for their needs and follow proper techniques to ensure successful results.
Disease and Pest Management for Crataegus divisa Sarg.
As with any plant, Crataegus divisa Sarg. is susceptible to a variety of diseases and pests. Proper disease and pest management is essential in maintaining the health of this species. Here are some common diseases and pests that might affect the plant and suggestions for managing them.
Diseases
Cedar-Apple Rust: This fungal disease is a common problem for hawthorn trees. Symptoms include yellow spots on leaves and small, orange-brown spots on fruit. To manage cedar-apple rust, remove any infected plant material, and plant cedar trees away from hawthorns.
Fire Blight: This bacterial disease affects a variety of plants including hawthorns. Symptoms include wilting and blackening of leaves and stems. To manage fire blight, prune infected branches and disinfect your pruning tools between each cut to prevent spreading the disease to healthy parts of the plant.
Powdery Mildew: This fungal disease causes a white powdery growth on leaves and stems. To manage powdery mildew, remove affected leaves and branches. You can also try treating the plant with a fungicide.
Pests
Spider Mites: These tiny pests feed on the plant's sap, causing leaves to yellow and dry out. To manage spider mites, remove any heavily infested leaves and apply a miticide to the plant.
Japanese Beetles: These beetles feed on the plant's leaves, flowers, and fruit, causing significant damage. To manage Japanese beetles, handpick them off the plant or use a beetle trap. You can also apply an insecticide to the plant.
Aphids: These small insects feed on the plant's sap, causing leaves to curl and distort. To manage aphids, spray the plant with a hose to knock them off or apply an insecticide to the plant.
Implementing proper disease and pest management techniques will help keep your Crataegus divisa Sarg. healthy and thriving for years to come.
