Crataegus pringlei Sarg. var. exclusa (Sarg.) Egglest.
Crataegus pringlei Sarg. var. exclusa (Sarg.) Egglest., commonly known as Mexican hawthorn, is a species of shrub or small tree belonging to the Rosaceae family. This plant is native to Mexico and is commonly found in the states of Aguascalientes, Coahuila, Hidalgo, Queretaro, and San Luis Potosi.
Appearance
Mexican hawthorn is a small tree that can reach a height of up to 10 meters. Its trunk has a gray-brown bark that becomes fissured with age. The branches of this tree spread out into a broad and round crown. Mexican hawthorn has lobed leaves that are dark green, glossy, and have a leathery texture. The tree produces clusters of creamy-white flowers in the spring.
After blooming, the tree produces small fruits that resemble red berries. The fruit is spherical and has a diameter of 1.2 centimeters. Its pulp is sweet and is used to make jellies and jams.
Uses
Mexican hawthorn has several medicinal uses. Its leaves and fruits are used to treat various ailments such as high blood pressure, digestive disorders, insomnia, and respiratory infections. The plant contains antioxidants that help in combating oxidative stress, which can lead to chronic diseases such as cancer and heart disease.
In addition to its medicinal uses, Mexican hawthorn is sometimes used as a decorative plant in gardens and public spaces.
Common Names
Mexican hawthorn is known by various common names, including tejocote, manzanita, manzanita de la muerte, tejecote, and Mexican hawthorn.
Light Requirements
Crataegus pringlei Sarg. var. exclusa (Sarg.) Egglest. thrives in locations with full exposure to sunlight, about six to eight hours each day. However, it may also tolerate partially shaded conditions. To achieve the best growth and development, it would be best to guarantee that the plant receives adequate lighting.
Temperature Requirements
Crataegus pringlei Sarg. var. exclusa (Sarg.) Egglest. is extremely cold-hardy and can withstand temperatures ranging from -5 to -10 degrees Celsius during its dormant periods. However, the plant prefers mild to warm temperatures, ranging from 16 to 24 degrees Celsius during the active growing season. It is critical to maintain a consistent temperature range to ensure optimal growth and high quality of fruits.
Soil Requirements
Crataegus pringlei Sarg. var. exclusa (Sarg.) Egglest. prefers well-draining and deeply cultivated loamy soils with a neutral pH ranging from 6.5 to 7.5. The plant is also reasonably drought-tolerant but requires consistent moisture levels to thrive. Adding organic matter to the soil can enhance water retention ability and increase soil fertility levels, leading to better growth and fruit quality.
Cultivation Methods
Crataegus pringlei Sarg. var. exclusa (Sarg.) Egglest., commonly referred to as Mexican hawthorn, is a lovely small tree or large shrub that can grow up to 22 feet in height and 16 feet in width. It is commonly grown in gardens for its ornamental value and as a hedge plant. To cultivate Crataegus pringlei, you should plant it in well-drained soil with a pH of 6.5 to 7.5, where it can get full sunlight or partial shade.
Propagation is generally done by seeds, cuttings, or grafting. Seeds should be removed from the fruit, cleaned, and sown in a seedbed, while cuttings should be taken during the dormant season and treated with rooting hormone before planting. Grafting is a complex method that requires expertise.
Watering Needs
Mexican hawthorn is drought tolerant but requires regular watering during the dry season to keep the soil moist. It is important not to overwater, as this can lead to root rot and plant death. It is recommended to water deeply and consistently, allowing the soil to dry out between watering sessions.
Fertilization
The Mexican hawthorn is a low-maintenance plant that does not require regular fertilization. However, you can supply the plant with a slow-release fertilizer during the growing season to promote healthy growth. Alternatively, you can apply organic fertilizers such as well-composted animal manure or worm castings.
Pruning
Pruning is an important aspect of maintaining the Mexican hawthorn's shape and size. It is good practice to prune the plant annually in late winter or early spring, before new growth begins. This pruning helps to remove dead, damaged, or diseased branches, and to shape the overall structure of the plant.
As the Mexican hawthorn has thorny branches, it is essential to wear protective gloves and clothing when pruning to avoid injury. In addition, it is important to sterilize pruning equipment with alcohol before using it to avoid spreading diseases.
Propagation of Crataegus pringlei Sarg. var. exclusa (Sarg.) Egglest.
Crataegus pringlei Sarg. var. exclusa (Sarg.) Egglest., commonly known as Mexican hawthorn, is a small ornamental tree or shrub that belongs to the Rosaceae family. It is native to Mexico and is popular for its beautiful white flowers that bloom in late spring or early summer.
The plant can be propagated by several methods, including seeds, cuttings, and layering.
Propagation by seeds
The easiest and most common method of propagating Crataegus pringlei Sarg. var. exclusa (Sarg.) Egglest. is by seeds. The seeds can be planted in the fall or early spring in well-draining soil. Before planting, the seeds should be soaked in water for 24 hours. The seeds should be covered lightly with soil, and the planting area should be kept moist until the seedlings emerge.
Propagation by cuttings
The plant can also be propagated by softwood cuttings taken in late spring or early summer. The cuttings should be approximately 6-8 inches long and should be taken from the current season's growth. The cuttings should be dipped in a rooting hormone, planted in well-draining soil, and placed in a shaded area until roots develop.
Propagation by layering
Propagation by layering involves bending a low-growing stem to the ground and covering it with soil, leaving the tip exposed. After a few months, roots will develop at the point where the stem makes contact with the soil. Once the new plant has developed a strong root system, it can be separated from the parent plant and transplanted to a new location.
Overall, Crataegus pringlei Sarg. var. exclusa (Sarg.) Egglest. is a relatively easy plant to propagate, making it a popular choice among gardeners for its ornamental value.
Disease and Pest Management for Crataegus pringlei Sarg. var. exclusa (Sarg.) Egglest. Plant
Crataegus pringlei Sarg. var. exclusa (Sarg.) Egglest., commonly known as Pringle's Hawthorn, is a species of hawthorn plant that is native to Mexico. While the plant is not inherently susceptible to pests and diseases, it can fall prey to a few common ailments under certain conditions. Below are some of the diseases and pests that might affect Crataegus pringlei and suggestions for managing them.
Common Diseases
1. Fire Blight: Fire Blight is a bacterial disease that can affect the leaves, flowers, and shoots of Crataegus pringlei. The disease is characterized by wilting and blackening of the affected parts. To manage the disease, it is best to remove the affected parts by pruning 12-18 inches below the infected region. Proper sanitation and pruning during the dormant season also help to control the disease.
2. Cedar-Apple Rust: Cedar-Apple Rust is a fungal disease that can affect the foliage and fruits of Crataegus pringlei. Yellow spots and white pustules appear on the leaves, which eventually turn brown and fall. The fruit may also become misshapen, leading to crop loss. To manage the disease, it is essential to eliminate all the alternate hosts of the disease, such as juniper or cedar trees, from the surrounding area. Fungicides can also be applied preventively in the early spring to control the disease.
Common Pests
1. Aphids: Aphids are small, sap-sucking insects that can cause stunting and yellowing of the leaves of Crataegus pringlei. They also produce a sticky substance known as honeydew, which attracts other insects and promotes the growth of sooty mold. To manage aphids, it is essential to encourage natural predators of aphids, such as ladybugs, lacewings, and parasitic wasps, to the garden. Horticultural oils or insecticidal soaps can also be used to manage the aphid population actively.
2. Spider Mites: Spider mites are tiny, plant-sucking pests that cause yellowing or bronzing of leaves and a fine webbing on the leaves of Crataegus pringlei. To manage spider mites, one can encourage beneficial insects like ladybugs, predatory mites, and lacewings. Additionally, one can use jet sprays of water on the plant to remove mites or apply insecticidal soap.
By taking proper care and timely remedial measures, one can manage most of the diseases and pests that affect Crataegus pringlei Sarg. var. exclusa (Sarg.) Egglest. plant and maintain its healthy growth and appearance.
