Overview of Crataegus multiflora Bunge
Crataegus multiflora Bunge is a plant species in the Rosaceae family, commonly known as the Chinese hawthorn or Shan Zha in Chinese. The shrub is native to China and Korea and has been in use in traditional Chinese medicine for over a thousand years. The plant has different varieties, and each varies slightly in some morphological characteristics and medicinal properties.
Appearance
The tree or shrub grows up to 10 meters in height, with a crown that could be conical, rounded, or irregular. The bark of the tree is greyish-brown, with horizontal lenticels and vertical fissures. The leaves are lanceolate, with a serrated margin and an acuminate apex. The olive green leaves have pubescent hairs on the underside, giving them a fuzzy appearance. The flowers, usually white or pink, are gathered in corymbs ranging from 3-7 flowers. The fruits are usually red or yellow pomes, ranging from 1 to 3 centimeters in diameter, containing a nutlet with two-to-five seeds.
Common Uses
The Chinese hawthorn fruit is often used in traditional medicine to aid digestion, improve blood flow, and reduce stomach-related conditions such as diarrhea and acid reflux. The fruit contains different phytochemicals, including tannins, flavonoids, and triterpenoids, which are attributed to the plant's therapeutic properties. The fruit is often prepared as a decoction, chewed raw, consumed in teas, or processed to make jams and jellies. The plant's wood, bark, and roots also have other pharmacological and industrial applications, including woodcarving, papermaking, and dye extraction.
Aside from its medicinal properties, the Chinese hawthorn tree is also used as an ornamental plant for its showy flowers and attractive fruit. The plant is often grown as a hedge or planted in parks and gardens.
Light Requirements
Crataegus multiflora Bunge thrives in full sunlight. If you plan on growing this plant indoors, ensure that it receives adequate sunlight by placing it in an area with a good source of natural light or under grow lights that mimic natural sunlight.
Temperature Requirements
This plant is relatively hardy and can tolerate a range of temperatures. It can thrive in USDA hardiness zones 4 to 8, where the temperature range is between -30 to 20°C. During the winter, it can experience frostbite, but it can still spring back to life come springtime.
Soil Requirements
The plant requires well-drained, moist, and fertile soil to grow healthily. A pH range of 5.5 to 7.5 is ideal for its growth. Before planting your plant, test the soil pH and amend with organic matter if necessary to improve drainage and fertility.
It's also good to note that the plant is relatively tolerant of drought conditions once established as long as the soil is well-drained.
Cultivation Methods
The Crataegus multiflora Bunge plant, commonly known as Chinese hawthorn, can grow up to 5-10 meters tall, so it requires ample space to grow. It grows best in well-drained, slightly acidic soil with full sun exposure. The soil should be moist, fertile, and rich in organic matter. The best time to plant the Chinese hawthorn is in the spring or fall. The plant should be watered frequently after planting to aid establishment.
Watering Needs
The Chinese hawthorn plant requires regular watering, especially during the growing season. Water the plant frequently enough to keep the soil moist, but avoid waterlogging the soil. Watering should be reduced during the dormant season. The plant should be checked frequently for signs of dryness to avoid dehydration. Consistent moisture is essential for the best growth and flowering of the plant.
Fertilization
The Chinese hawthorn plant benefits from regular fertilization to promote growth and flowering. The optimal time for fertilizer application is during the growing season, and it should be spaced out every 2-3 months. The best fertilizer for the Chinese hawthorn is one that is high in potassium and low in nitrogen and phosphorus. Organic fertilizers like compost, manure, and bone meal can help improve soil fertility.
Pruning
The Chinese hawthorn plant requires occasional pruning to maintain its shape and promote growth. The best time for pruning is in the winter or early spring when the plant is dormant. Prune the plant to remove dead, damaged, or diseased branches. Cut the plant back to its main trunk or branch to encourage vigorous new growth. The plant can also be pruned to maintain a particular size or shape. Be careful not to prune too much of the plant as it may affect flowering and fruit production.
Propagation of Crataegus Multiflora Bunge
Crataegus multiflora Bunge, commonly known as the Chinese hawthorn, is a deciduous shrub or small tree that is widely distributed in China. Propagation of this plant can be achieved through several methods, including seed propagation, cutting propagation, and grafting propagation.
Seed Propagation
The propagation of Crataegus multiflora Bunge through seed is relatively easy. The plant produces seeds that can be collected in the fall after the fruits have ripened. The seeds should be cleaned and stored in a cool, dry place until the following spring. In the spring, the seeds can be sown in a seedbed or containers filled with a well-draining growing mix. The seeds should be covered with a thin layer of soil and kept moist until they germinate. Once the plants have developed their first true leaves, they can be transplanted to their final growing location.
Cutting Propagation
Crataegus multiflora Bunge can also be propagated through stem cuttings. Softwood cuttings should be taken from the current season's growth in early summer and hardwood cuttings should be taken from the previous season's growth in late fall or early winter. The cuttings should be 4-6 inches long and dipped in rooting hormone before being inserted into a growing medium composed of equal parts of perlite and peat moss. The cuttings should be kept moist and in a warm, bright location until they have rooted, at which point they can be transplanted to their final growing location.
Grafting Propagation
Grafting propagation of Crataegus multiflora Bunge involves joining a scion of the desired plant onto a rootstock of a closely related species. This method is commonly used in commercial fruit tree production and can be employed to create new cultivars. The grafting process should be done during the plant's dormant season, typically in late winter or early spring. Care should be taken to ensure that the scion and rootstock are of similar size and that the graft union is secure. The newly grafted plant should be kept in a warm, bright location until it has established itself.
Disease and Pest Management for Crataegus multiflora Bunge
Crataegus multiflora Bunge, commonly known as the Chinese hawthorn, is a small tree that is susceptible to several diseases and pests. Effective management of diseases and pests is essential to maintain the health and productivity of the plant.
Common Diseases
One of the most common diseases affecting Crataegus multiflora is fire blight. Symptoms include wilting and blackening of the leaves and twigs. It is caused by the bacterium Erwinia amylovora and can be managed by pruning away affected areas and destroying them. Fungicides can also be used preventively.
Another disease that affects Crataegus multiflora is apple scab. It is caused by the fungus Venturia inaequalis and can cause the leaves to turn yellow or brown. Management involves removing fallen leaves and applying fungicides during the growing season.
Common Pests
The most common pest that affects Crataegus multiflora is the hawthorn lace bug. It is a small insect that feeds on the underside of the leaves and causes yellowing and browning of the leaves. Management involves using insecticidal soap or horticultural oil to control the infestation.
The hawthorn psyllid is another pest that can cause damage to Crataegus multiflora. The psyllid feeds on the leaves and causes them to curl and distort. Management involves using insecticides or releasing natural predators such as ladybugs or lacewings.
Prevention Techniques
Prevention is often the best approach to disease and pest management. This can involve planting disease-resistant cultivars, managing the moisture and fertility levels of the soil, and providing adequate spacing between plants to promote air circulation and minimize crowding.
Regular monitoring of the plant for signs of disease and pests is important for early detection and effective management. Prompt management can prevent the spread of diseases and pests and minimize the damage to the plant.
