Description of Crataegus macrosperma Ashe var. pastora (Sarg.) Egglest.
Crataegus macrosperma Ashe var. pastora (Sarg.) Egglest. is a deciduous tree or shrub belonging to the Rosaceae family. It is commonly known as the Pastora hawthorn and is a native of the United States, particularly in the southeastern states such as Florida, Georgia, Alabama, and Mississippi.
General Appearance
The Pastora hawthorn grows up to 10 meters in height, with a trunk diameter of up to 20cm. The tree has a rounded and symmetrical crown and a dense branching pattern that gives it a bushy appearance. The bark is rough and has a greyish-brown color. The tree's leaves are simple, and they have an oval shape with serrated edges measuring between 4-7cm in length.
The tree's flowers are creamy white and grow in clusters, each measuring about 1cm in diameter. The fruits of the Pastora hawthorn are bright red and are generally about 1cm in diameter. They have a mildly sweet taste and have been used in some cultures to make jellies, jams, and other food products.
Uses
The Pastora hawthorn is primarily grown as an ornamental plant in gardens and parks. It is popular among gardeners for its attractive blooms and vibrant red fruits. The plant's leaves and flowers are also used as traditional medicine remedies for various ailments. Some studies have suggested that hawthorn extracts can help reduce anxiety, lower blood pressure, and boost heart health.
The bright red fruits of the Pastora hawthorn are also suitable for wildlife consumption. The seeds are eaten by birds, while the tree's thick foliage provides excellent cover for small animals.
Overall, Crataegus macrosperma Ashe var. pastora (Sarg.) Egglest. is a versatile and beautiful tree with several uses in various contexts. It is an excellent addition to any garden or landscape, and its medicinal properties make it a valuable plant to have in any naturopath's arsenal.
Light Requirements
Crataegus macrosperma Ashe var. pastora (Sarg.) Egglest. typically thrives in areas with partial to full sunlight exposure. The plant requires sufficient sunlight to facilitate photosynthesis, which is crucial for its growth and development. However, direct sunlight for extended periods may cause leaf scorching and damage to the plant.
Temperature Requirements
The plant typically grows in regions with a temperate climate. It can tolerate both cold and warm temperatures, but extreme temperatures may inhibit its growth and development. Crataegus macrosperma Ashe var. pastora (Sarg.) Egglest. can withstand temperatures as low as -40°C during the winter months and as high as 35°C during the summer months.
Soil Requirements
Crataegus macrosperma Ashe var. pastora (Sarg.) Egglest. can grow in a wide range of soil types, including sandy, loamy, and clay soils. However, the plant thrives in well-draining soils with a pH between 5 to 7. The soil should also be rich in organic matter to support the plant's growth and development. Additionally, the plant requires regular watering to ensure that the soil remains moist but not waterlogged.
Cultivation
Crataegus macrosperma Ashe var. pastora (Sarg.) Egglest. is best grown in areas with well-draining soil with a pH between 6.0 to 7.0. It can tolerate partial shade but prefers full sun for optimal growth. The plant can be propagated through seeds, cuttings, or grafting. It's essential to choose an appropriate site for planting with enough space for the plant to grow to its full potential.
Watering Needs
Crataegus macrosperma Ashe var. pastora (Sarg.) Egglest. requires regular watering, especially during the hot and dry season. The soil should be kept consistently moist, but care should be taken not to overwater and cause root rot. It's advisable to water the plant deeply once a week instead of frequent shallow watering.
Fertilization
The plant requires nutrients for optimal growth and flowering. Applying a balanced fertilizer once every two to three months during the growing season would suffice. Care should be taken not to apply fertilizer during the dormant season.
Pruning
Pruning is essential to maintain the shape and size of the plant, promote vigorous growth, and increase flowering. Pruning should be done during the dormant season when the plant is not actively growing. Dead and diseased branches should be removed. Crossing branches should also be pruned to allow more air and light into the center of the plant.
Propagation of Crataegus macrosperma Ashe var. pastora (Sarg.) Egglest.
Crataegus macrosperma Ashe var. pastora (Sarg.) Egglest. can be propagated by both sexual and asexual methods.
Sexual Propagation
Seeds collected from the mature fruit of the plant can be used for propagation. Stratification is required to break the seed dormancy. The seeds must be washed and cleaned before stratifying. After stratification, the seeds can be sown in pots or seedbeds and kept moist. Germination generally takes place in the spring.
Asexual Propagation
The plant can also be propagated asexually using cuttings or layering.
Cuttings
Hardwood cuttings taken from healthy, mature plants during the dormant season can be used for propagation. The cuttings should be about 20-25 cm long and 1 cm in diameter. Remove all the leaves except for the top few and make a slanting cut at the base of the cutting. Dip the cuttings in rooting hormone and then plant them in a rooting medium such as vermiculite or sand. Keep the cuttings moist and in a warm environment. Rooting generally takes place in several weeks.
Layering
Air layering can also be used to propagate Crataegus macrosperma Ashe var. pastora (Sarg.) Egglest. Choose a healthy branch from the parent plant and make a 2-3 cm cut in the bark of the branch. Apply rooting hormone to this area and then wrap the branch in damp sphagnum moss, securing it with plastic wrap. Keep the moss moist and roots should form over the course of a few months. Once roots have formed, cut the branch below the roots and plant in a pot or a prepared bed.
Disease Management
Crataegus macrosperma Ashe var. pastora (Sarg.) Egglest. is susceptible to various diseases that might affect the plant growth and yield. Below are some common diseases and ways to manage them:
Cedar-Apple Rust
Cedar-apple rust is a fungal disease that affects the foliage and fruits of the plant. The symptoms include yellowish-green spots on the upper sides of the leaves, which later develop into brownish-grey spots with a reddish-brown border. The fruits may also develop orange-yellow spots and may drop prematurely. The disease can be managed by removing the nearby cedar trees that serve as hosts for the fungus. Fungicides can also be applied before the disease establishes in the plant, and infected plant parts should be removed and destroyed.
Fruit Rot Diseases
Fruit rot diseases are caused by several fungi that affect the fruits of the plant. The symptoms include the development of soft, watery, black or brown spots on the fruit's surface, which eventually becomes covered in a grey or white mold. To manage the disease, practice good sanitation and remove any rotting fruits from the plant. Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers and excessive irrigation, as these promote fungal development. Fungicides can also be applied before the disease establishes in the plant.
Pest Management
There are several pests that might affect the growth and yield of Crataegus macrosperma Ashe var. pastora (Sarg.) Egglest., including:
Apple Maggot
The apple maggot is a pest that affects the fruits of the plant. The symptoms include the development of fruit fly maggots inside the fruit, which causes brownish tunnels and spots. To manage the pest, use pheromone traps to monitor the presence of flies, and apply insecticides before the flies lay their eggs on the fruits.
Codling Moth
The codling moth is a pest that affects the fruits of the plant. The symptoms include the development of brownish tunnels inside the fruits, caused by the larvae of the moth. To manage the pest, use pheromone traps to monitor the presence of males, and apply insecticides before the females lay their eggs on the fruits.
Tarnished Plant Bug
The tarnished plant bug is a pest that affects the fruits of the plant. The symptoms include the development of small, discolored spots on the fruit's surface, caused by the feeding of the pest. To manage the pest, use insecticides before the pest establishes in the plant, and remove any alternative weed hosts near the plant that may serve as a habitat for the pest.
