Overview: Crataegus platycarpa Sarg.
Crataegus platycarpa Sarg. is a plant species from the Rosaceae family, which is native to China. It is a deciduous shrub that can grow up to a height of 6 meters. The plant commonly grows in shady areas with moist soil, such as open forests, slopes, and valleys.
Common Names
The plant has several common names depending on the region it is found. In China, it is commonly known as 'Qing Shan Zhu Sha' or 'Chui Zi Mu.' In English, it is usually referred to as the "Broad-fruit Hawthorn" due to the size of its fruit.
Appearance
The Crataegus platycarpa Sarg. plant has dark green and glossy leaves that are oval or elliptical in shape and finely serrated. The shrub produces white or pink flowers which grow in clusters. The fruit of the plant is a bright red pome that can measure up to 2cm in diameter. The pome has a hard and coarse texture and contains a single seed.
Uses
Crataegus platycarpa Sarg. has several traditional medicinal uses. The fruit of the plant is used to improve digestion, lower blood pressure, and treat cardiovascular diseases. The plant's leaves and flowers are used to make tea, which is believed to have a calming effect and help with insomnia. The fruit pulp is also used in traditional Chinese cuisine to make sweet dishes, jams, and sauces.
In addition to its medicinal and culinary uses, the plant is also grown as an ornamental shrub for its attractive leaves and flowers. The plant is also used for erosion control in hilly regions due to its ability to grow in moist soil and stabilize the soil.
In conclusion, Crataegus platycarpa Sarg. is a versatile plant that has many uses in traditional medicine and cuisine while also being cultivated as an ornamental shrub and for soil stabilization.
Light Requirements
The Crataegus platycarpa Sarg. plant thrives well under full sun or partial shade. However, it requires at least six hours of direct sunlight each day to grow optimally. Full sun exposure favors the plant's flower and fruit development, while partial shade protects it from stress and heat damage.
Temperature Requirements
The Crataegus platycarpa Sarg. plant is generally hardy and can tolerate a wide range of temperatures. It grows efficiently in USDA hardiness zones 4-7, which means temperatures of -30 to 0 degrees Fahrenheit (-34 to -17.7 Celsius). However, it does not do well in areas with extreme heat or cold. Temperatures above 90°F (32°C) cause stress and damage to the plant, while those below -30°F (-34°C) can kill it.
Soil Requirements
The Crataegus platycarpa Sarg. plant prefers moist, well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. An ideal soil pH should range from slightly acidic to neutral, between 6.0 and 7.5. The plant can tolerate different soil textures, including sandy, loamy, or clay soils, as long as they are well-draining. However, it does not grow well in waterlogged soils or those with poor drainage.
Cultivation Methods of Crataegus Platycarpa Sarg.
Crataegus platycarpa Sarg. is a hardy plant that can grow in a wide range of soils. However, it prefers well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. The plant thrives in full sun to partial shade. It is recommended that the plant be planted in the spring or fall.
If planting in the spring, it is advisable to do so after the last frost has passed. If planting in the fall, it should be done at least six weeks before the first frost. During planting, a hole that is twice the size of the plant's root ball should be dug, and the plant should be placed in the hole and covered with soil.
Watering Needs of Crataegus Platycarpa Sarg.
Crataegus platycarpa Sarg. needs regular watering, especially during the first growing season. However, overwatering should be avoided as it can lead to root rot. The soil should be kept moist, but not waterlogged.
It is recommended to water the plant deeply once a week, especially during hot and dry periods. During the winter, watering should be reduced, especially if the plant becomes dormant.
Fertilization Methods for Crataegus Platycarpa Sarg.
Crataegus platycarpa Sarg. does not require frequent fertilization. However, adding compost or aged manure to the soil before planting can provide the necessary nutrients for the plant's growth.
It is advisable to fertilize the plant in early spring before the growing season starts. A balanced fertilizer with equal amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium can be used. Fertilization can be repeated every two to three years, depending on the plant's growth.
Pruning Techniques for Crataegus Platycarpa Sarg.
Pruning is essential for the proper growth and shape of Crataegus platycarpa Sarg. The best time to prune the plant is in late winter or early spring before new growth appears. Pruning can also be done in the fall after the plant has gone dormant.
The plant should be pruned to remove dead, damaged, or diseased branches. Crossing branches should also be removed to prevent rubbing and damage to the bark. To promote growth, the plant can be pruned back by up to one-third of its size.
Propagation Methods of Crataegus Platycarpa Sarg.
Crataegus platycarpa Sarg., commonly known as broad-fruit hawthorn, belongs to the Rosaceae family. It is a deciduous tree or shrub that grows up to 5-7 meters in height. The plant is generally propagated through seeds, cuttings, and grafting methods.
Propagation through Seeds
The propagation of Crataegus platycarpa Sarg. through seeds is a preferred method for the easy and large-scale production of plants. Seeds are obtained from ripe fruits that are collected in the fall season. The seeds are then extracted from the fruit pulp and cleaned. Seed propagation generally requires stratification, which involves putting the seeds in a moist medium at a low temperature for several weeks to break the seed dormancy. After stratification, the seeds can be sowed in seedbeds or potting trays filled with high-quality potting soil. The seedlings can be transplanted into larger containers or directly into the ground after they reach a certain size and have developed a strong root system.
Propagation through Cuttings
The propagation of Crataegus platycarpa Sarg. through cuttings is a popular method for cloning parent plants with desirable traits. Hardwood cuttings are taken from the parent plant in the dormant season, usually in winter. The cuttings should be about 20 cm long and have a diameter of 0.5-1.5 cm, with at least two or three leaf nodes. The lower end of the cutting should be treated with rooting hormone powder and planted in a rooting medium that allows good aeration and moisture retention. The cuttings should be kept in a warm, humid and shaded environment until they develop roots. After root development, the cuttings can be transplanted into larger containers or directly into the ground.
Propagation through Grafting
Grafting is another method used for propagating Crataegus platycarpa Sarg. where a scion from a desirable parent plant is attached to the rootstock of a related plant. The rootstock is selected for its strong root system and disease resistance, while the scion is chosen for its desirable fruit, flower, or growth characteristics. The grafting process involves making a slanting cut on both the scion and the rootstock, followed by joining them together and securing them with grafting tape. The graft union should be kept protected and moist until the two components fuse.
Disease and Pest Management for Crataegus platycarpa Sarg.
Crataegus platycarpa Sarg., commonly known as Bigfruit Hawthorn or Widefruit Hawthorn, is a deciduous shrub or small tree that belongs to the Rose family. It is widely considered as an ornamental plant because of its attractive foliage and showy flowers. However, like any other plant, it is also susceptible to various pests and diseases that can affect its growth and appearance. Here are some common diseases and pests that might affect Crataegus platycarpa Sarg. and ways to manage them.
Common Diseases
Fire Blight - Fire blight is a bacterial disease that can affect the leaves, blossoms, stems, and branches of Crataegus platycarpa Sarg. The signs of fire blight include wilting, blackening, and dying of the affected parts of the plant. To manage fire blight, prune the affected parts at least 8 to 12 inches below the visible symptoms. Disinfect your pruning tools with rubbing alcohol or bleach between each cut. Avoid using nitrogen fertilizers, as they can promote the growth of fire blight.
Cedar-Apple Rust - Cedar-apple rust is a fungal disease that can affect the leaves, fruit, and twigs of Crataegus platycarpa Sarg. The signs of cedar-apple rust include pale yellow spots on the upper leaf surface, followed by the development of orange to rusty-brown spots on the lower leaf surface and the fruit. To manage cedar-apple rust, remove any nearby cedar trees to eliminate the source of the disease. Fungicides such as copper-based products or sulfur can be used to manage the disease.
Common Pests
Mites - Mites are tiny, spider-like pests that can cause damage to the leaves of Crataegus platycarpa Sarg. The signs of mite infestation include yellowing, distortion, and stunted growth of the leaves. To manage mites, rinse the leaves with a strong jet of water to dislodge the pests. In severe cases, insecticidal soaps or horticultural oils can be used to control mites.
Aphids - Aphids are small, soft-bodied insects that can damage the leaves, buds, and shoots of Crataegus platycarpa Sarg. The signs of aphid infestation include curling, yellowing, and distortion of the leaves. To manage aphids, spray the leaves with a strong jet of water to dislodge the pests. If necessary, insecticidal soaps or horticultural oils can be used to control aphids. Ladybugs, lacewings, and parasitic wasps are natural predators of aphids and can help manage their populations.
By being proactive and vigilant in monitoring the health of your Crataegus platycarpa Sarg., you can help protect it from diseases and pests that can harm or even kill it.
