Overview
Crataegus mollis Scheele var. incisifolia Kruschke is a deciduous tree that belongs to the family Rosaceae. It is commonly known as the Chinese hawthorn and is native to China and Korea. The tree is typically found in open woods, valleys, and hillsides. It has been cultivated for its edible fruit, which has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for thousands of years.
Appearance
The Chinese hawthorn is a small to medium-sized tree that can grow up to 10 meters in height. It has a rounded or oval-shaped crown with thorny branches. The leaves are glossy, dark green, and serrated, with a length of around 5-10 cm. The flowers are small, white, and appear in clusters during the spring. The fruit is a small, red, and apple-like berry that typically measures around 1-3 cm in diameter. The tree blooms from March to April and produces fruit from August to September.
Uses
The Chinese hawthorn is primarily grown for its edible fruit, which has a sour and sweet taste and is often used in jams, jellies, and other confectionery. The fruit is also used in traditional Chinese medicine and is believed to have cardiovascular benefits, such as improving blood circulation and lowering blood pressure. The tree is also grown as an ornamental plant in gardens and landscaping due to its attractive foliage and flowers.
Light Requirements
The Crataegus mollis Scheele var. incisifolia Kruschke typically grows in areas with full or partial sunlight. It requires about 6 hours of direct sunlight each day to optimize photosynthesis. If it’s grown in an area with inadequate light, the plant may grow tall and thin, and the foliage may become thin and sparse.
Temperature Requirements
The plant thrives in a temperate climate, which means that it prefers regions with mild summers and cool winters. It can survive temperatures as low as -27 degrees Celsius (-16 degrees Fahrenheit) but it cannot withstand extreme heat. The ideal temperature range for its growth is between 13 and 23 degrees Celsius (55 and 73 degrees Fahrenheit).
Soil Requirements
The Crataegus mollis Scheele var. incisifolia Kruschke grows well in nutrient-rich, well-draining soil. It does not tolerate wet or waterlogged soil, which may cause the roots to rot. The ideal pH range for its growth is between 6.0 and 7.5. The soil should be regularly amended with organic matter, such as compost or manure, to increase its fertility and improve drainage.
Cultivation Methods
Crataegus mollis Scheele var. incisifolia Kruschke, also known as the Chinese hawthorn, is a hardy plant that grows best in well-draining soils that are rich in nutrients. It needs full sunlight to thrive, but it can tolerate some shade. The plant can be propagated by seeds or cuttings. If you're planting from seed, sow the seeds in the fall or early spring. For cuttings, the best time to take them is in the early summer.
Watering Needs
Regular watering is essential for the Chinese hawthorn. Water the plant deeply once a week during the growing season and reduce watering in the winter. Be careful not to overwater the plant, which can lead to root rot. If the soil feels moist to the touch, hold off on watering until it dries out a bit.
Fertilization
The Chinese hawthorn needs regular fertilization to remain healthy and produce a bountiful crop of fruit. Apply a balanced fertilizer in the early spring, just before the plant begins its new growth cycle. Repeat the application every six to eight weeks during the growing season. You can also add compost or well-rotted manure to the soil around the plant to increase its nutrient content.
Pruning
Annual pruning is necessary for the Chinese hawthorn to remove any dead or diseased branches and promote new growth. The best time to prune is in late winter or early spring, before the plant begins to grow. Use clean, sharp tools and make clean cuts just above a healthy bud or lateral shoot. You can also shape the plant to your desired size and shape at this time by cutting back any wayward branches.
Propagation of Crataegus mollis Scheele var. incisifolia Kruschke
Propagation is the process of reproducing new plants from different parts of a parent plant. Crataegus mollis Scheele var. incisifolia Kruschke, commonly known as the Oakleaf hawthorn, can be propagated by several methods. These include:
Seed Propagation
C. mollis Scheele var. incisifolia Kruschke can be propagated by seeds. Collect seeds from mature fruits during the autumn season. After getting the seeds, soak them in warm water for 24 hours to soften the covers. Then, sow the seeds in a container with moist soil. Place the container in a cold frame and keep the soil moist. Seedlings should emerge after one to two months.
Cuttings Propagation
Another way of propagating C. mollis Scheele var. incisifolia Kruschke is through cuttings. Cuttings can be taken either in late spring or early summer. Take cuttings of about six-inch sections of stem with no flowers or fruits. Dip the severed end in rooting hormone powder and then place the cuttings in pots filled with the soil mix. Place the pots in a humid area with good light and keep the soil moist.
Grafting Propagation
Grafting is another means of propagating C. mollis Scheele var. incisifolia Kruschke. It is commonly used to produce different plants of the same species. It entails fusing a cutting or bud of the desired species with the rootstock of compatible plants. When grafting C. mollis Scheele var. incisifolia Kruschke, a scion of the desired variety is grafted onto the rootstock of a related species such as Crataegus laevigata and Crataegus phaenopyrum.
Disease and Pest Management for Crataegus mollis Scheele var. incisifolia Kruschke
Crataegus mollis Scheele var. incisifolia Kruschke, commonly known as Red hawthorn, is a small flowering tree that is quite hardy. However, like any other plant, it is susceptible to various diseases and pests. Here are some common diseases and pests that can affect the plant and ways to manage them:
Common Diseases
Fire Blight: This is a bacterial disease that affects not only the Crataegus mollis Scheele var. incisifolia Kruschke but also other plants in the rose family. The first signs of the disease are wilting leaves and twigs that turn black. The infected parts of the plant appear burned, hence the name Fire Blight. The disease spreads through insect transmission, pruning instruments, and rain.
Cedar Rust: Cedar Rust is a fungal disease that often attacks plants in the rose family, including hawthorns. The rust causes small orange spots on the tree's leaves, which eventually turn brownish before falling off. The disease spreads through airborne spores carried by the wind from infected trees and shrubs.
Common Pests
Spider Mites: These are common pests that suck the sap off the leaves of the plant, causing them to wither and turn yellow. A heavy infestation can also cause defoliation. Spider mites thrive in warm, dry conditions and love dusty environments.
Aphids: Aphids are small insects that feed on the plant's sap, causing leaves to curl and turn yellow. They can also transmit viral diseases from plant to plant. Aphids reproduce very fast, making them hard to control. Populations can explode in warm and humid conditions.
Management
The following are some management strategies that can be implemented to control the diseases and pests discussed above:
Fire Blight: To manage this disease, try to remove diseased parts of the plant immediately and prune the affected twigs at least 12 inches below the infected area. You can also apply copper fungicides before and after blooming to prevent the disease from spreading.
Cedar Rust: One of the best ways to manage cedar rust is by planting resistant varieties of hawthorn. Another approach is to destroy any infected trees around the vicinity. Fungicides can also be used, but it is essential to apply them before the infection sets in.
Spider Mites: Regular watering and wetting the foliage can help control spider mites. You can also release natural predators such as ladybugs and lacewings to eat aphids. Insecticidal sprays can also be used, but ensure that they get applied to both sides of the leaves.
Aphids: The most effective way to control aphids is by using insecticidal soaps, sticky traps, and neem oil. Encouraging beneficial insects such as ladybugs and lacewings can keep aphid populations under control.
Overall, early detection and proper management are crucial in preventing the spread of diseases and pests in Crataegus mollis Scheele var. incisifolia Kruschke. It is essential to implement the management strategies mentioned above and to consult with a professional if the infestation becomes severe.
