Origin and Common Names
Crataegus menandiana Sarg. is a species of hawthorn that belongs to the Rosaceae family. This plant is native to China, specifically in the provinces of Sichuan and Yunnan. It is known by several common names, which include Menan hawthorn, Menan san shanzha, and Menan shanzha.General Appearance
Crataegus menandiana Sarg. is a deciduous shrub or small tree that can grow to a height of 4-10 meters. The plant has a broad and roundish crown, with a trunk that can reach up to 20 cm in diameter. The leaves are oval or elliptical, with serrated edges and a shiny green color. The flowers are white or pink, and they bloom in clusters in early summer. The fruit is a small, round, and red pome that measures around 0.8 cm in diameter.Uses
The fruits of Crataegus menandiana Sarg. are edible and have been used in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries. They are believed to have several health benefits, which include improving blood circulation, lowering blood pressure, and reducing cholesterol levels. The fruits are also used to treat digestive problems, heart palpitations, and insomnia. Apart from its medicinal value, Crataegus menandiana Sarg. is also used in landscaping and ornamental gardening. Its attractive leaves and flowers make it a popular choice for hedges, screens, and borders. The plant is also beneficial to wildlife, as its fruits provide a source of food for birds and other small animals.Light Requirements
Crataegus menandiana Sarg. prefers full sun to partial shade for optimal growth. It can tolerate some shade, but too much shade can lead to a decreased growth rate and weaker branches.
Temperature Requirements
The plant can grow in a range of temperatures, but it prefers a cooler climate. It cannot tolerate extreme heat as it can cause the leaves to scorch, and the plant may experience heat stress. It is hardy in USDA zones 4 to 7 and can tolerate temperatures as low as -30°F (-34°C).
Soil Requirements
Crataegus menandiana Sarg. is adaptable to a wide range of soils, but it prefers well-draining soil with a neutral to slightly acidic pH level. The soil should also be moist but not waterlogged. The plant may not tolerate salty soil or soils with a high clay content.
Cultivation methods
Crataegus menandiana Sarg., commonly known as Menan Hawthorn, is a deciduous tree that belongs to the Rosaceae family. It is a small tree that can grow up to a height of 4 meters. Menan Hawthorn can withstand a wide range of soil types, including well-drained to poor, alkaline to acidic soils. To grow this plant in a container, you need to choose a slightly acidic soil mix that promotes good drainage.Watering needs
Crataegus menandiana Sarg. prefers to grow in soil that is slightly moist but not waterlogged, especially during its early stages of growth. When planting Menan Hawthorn, you should water it deeply and regularly for the first few weeks or until the roots are established. After that, you can water it once a week, especially during the hot and dry season. However, you should avoid overwatering this plant, as it can lead to root rot and other diseases.Fertilization
Crataegus menandiana Sarg. requires minimal fertilization, as too much can harm its growth and development. To enhance the plant's growth, you can feed it with organic matter once a year and sprinkle a balanced fertilizer on the soil in the spring season. Make sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions when applying the fertilizer, as an excess of nutrients can cause damage to the plant.Pruning
Crataegus menandiana Sarg. requires minimal pruning, and you only need to shape it if desired. Pruning is best done in the early stages of growth, and the best time to prune is in the late winter or early spring. You should remove any unwanted branches or those that cross over the main branches to promote good growth and development. Additionally, pruning can enhance air circulation, reduce diseases, and encourage new growth of foliage.Propagation Methods for Crataegus Menandiana Sarg.
Crataegus menandiana Sarg., commonly known as Menander's Hawthorn, is a species of flowering plant in the family Rosaceae. The plant is endemic to China and grows in rocky areas, forests, and mountain slopes. Propagation of Crataegus menandiana Sarg. can be achieved through three methods: seed propagation, vegetative propagation, and grafting.
Seed propagation
Seed propagation of Crataegus menandiana Sarg. is relatively easy and affordable. Mature seeds during the Fall season should be collected and cleaned for proper seed storage. Sow seeds in the soil before winter to experience cold stratification. The seedbeds should be kept moist and in a cool place. After the seeds germinate, plant out seedlings in individual containers. Transfer the container-grown seedlings into the ground after one year, when they have reached 10-30 cm in height. Seed propagation provides a large number of new seedlings, and genetic variation among them is higher than with other propagation methods.
Vegetative propagation
Vegetative propagation of Crataegus menandiana Sarg. can be made through cuttings, layering, or dividing root suckers. Cuttings that are taken from semi-hardwood or hardwood cuttings during the Fall season have better rooting success. Treat cuttings with hormone rooting powder to increase success rate before planting. Layering is applied near the end of the growing season when new growth has hardened off. Bend a branch of the hawthorn plant to the ground, scrape the bark, and cover it with soil. After a year the rooted branch could be transferred into an individual container and planted into the garden later on. Dividing root suckers happens during the plant's dormancy period, in early Spring or late Autumn. The sucker is removed by cutting the root that connects to the mother plant.
Grafting Propagation
Grafting is an effective method to propagate Crataegus menandiana Sarg. especially for cutting production time. This method allows the gardeners to use prespecified cultivars of a plant in the promotion of consistent plant qualities and increasingly the rate of growth. Hawthorn's grafting can be accomplished at any time of year, but it often takes place during Winter or early Spring when the plant is in its dormancy phase. The most commonly used grafting method for hawthorns is budding. Compatible rootstocks must be used, and the plant must be well-established and mature enough for grafting.
Disease and Pest Management for Crataegus menandiana Sarg. Plant
Crataegus menandiana Sarg., commonly known as Menander hawthorn, is a species of hawthorn tree that is susceptible to various diseases and pests. Proper disease and pest management techniques are essential to ensure optimum growth and yield of the plant. Below are some common diseases and pests that might affect the plant and ways to manage them:
Diseases
Leaf spots: Leaf spots are a common disease affecting hawthorns, including Crataegus menandiana Sarg. The disease is caused by various fungi, and it is characterized by brown or black spots on leaves. To manage leaf spots, ensure that you dispose of diseased leaves to prevent the spread of the fungus. Also, avoid overhead watering, and ensure good air circulation by pruning the tree regularly.
Cedar hawthorn rust: Cedar hawthorn rust is another common disease affecting hawthorns. It is caused by a fungus that attacks both cedar trees and hawthorns. Symptoms include yellow spots on the upper surface of the leaves, which later turn into brownish or black spots. To manage cedar hawthorn rust, ensure good air circulation by pruning the tree regularly, and avoid planting hawthorns near cedar trees.
Pests
Aphids: Aphids are common pests that suck sap from the leaves and stems, causing stunted growth and deformation of leaves. To manage aphids, you can use insecticidal soap or neem oil, which can suffocate and kill the pests. You can also introduce beneficial insects like ladybugs, lacewings, or parasitic wasps that feed on aphids.
Spider mites: Spider mites are tiny pests that feed on the undersides of leaves. They cause yellow stippling and webbing on the leaves. To manage spider mites, ensure good air circulation by pruning the tree regularly. You can also use a strong jet of water to dislodge the pests or introduce beneficial insects like predaceous mites or ladybugs.
Implementing proper disease and pest management techniques ensures a healthy and thriving Crataegus menandiana Sarg. plant.
