Origin and Common Names
Crataegus regalis Beadle var. paradoxa (Sarg.) Palmer is a species of plant that belongs to the Rosaceae family. It is commonly known as the paradoxical thorn or royal hawthorn, and it is native to North America, particularly in the mid-eastern parts of the United States.
Description
The plant has a dense, thorny shrub that can grow up to 6 meters tall. The paradoxical thorn has an irregular growth pattern that is characterized by multi-branched and unevenly distributed branches. Its leaves are dark green, and it bears white or pinkish flowers that bloom in late spring. The plant produces red fruit that can grow up to 1 cm in diameter and is edible, with a sweet and tangy flavor.
Uses
The fruits of the paradoxical thorn can be eaten raw or cooked and are used in pies, jams, jellies, and wine. The plant's bark and leaves are used in traditional medicine to treat heart disease, hypertension, and digestive problems. Moreover, they are also used as an astringent and diuretic. The wood of the plant is hard and incredibly strong, and it is used for crafting tools, handles, and walking sticks.
General Appearance
The paradoxical thorn's general appearance is a dense and thorny shrub, characterized by an irregular growth pattern. The plant produces white or pinkish flowers and red fruits that can be consumed raw, cooked or used to make jams and jellies. It has dark green leaves that are used in traditional medicine to treat various ailments. Its wood is hard and sturdy, making it ideal for crafting purposes.
Light Requirements
Crataegus regalis Beadle var. paradoxa (Sarg.) Palmer prefers full sun exposure. It requires at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight per day to grow efficiently. The plant can also thrive in partial shade, but it may affect the flowering and fruiting process. Therefore, it is essential to place the plant in an area where it can receive enough sunlight.
Temperature Requirements
The plant can tolerate a wide range of temperatures, but the ideal temperature range lies between 55-75°F (13-24°C) during the growing season. It cannot endure extreme temperatures and may experience frost damage in the winter season. Therefore, it is essential to protect the plant from freezing temperatures to prevent damage.
Soil Requirements
Crataegus regalis Beadle var. paradoxa (Sarg.) Palmer prefers soil that is well-draining, fertile, and slightly acidic (pH range 6.0-7.0). The plant grows well in sandy, loamy, and clay soils, but the soil must be adequately drained to prevent waterlogging. It is also crucial to add compost and organic matter to improve soil fertility.
Cultivation Methods
Crataegus regalis Beadle var. paradoxa (Sarg.) Palmer, commonly known as Royal Hawthorn, is a deciduous tree that thrives well in full sun or partial shade. The plant prefers moist, well-draining soils, with a pH range of 5.0 to 7.5. It is advisable to plant the tree in an area that is protected from strong winds and frost, which can damage the plant.
When planting, make sure the hole is deep enough to accommodate the root system. Water the plant immediately after planting, and add mulch around the tree to retain moisture and keep weeds away. Proper mulching helps maintain soil temperature and keeps soil moisture for the plant during hot weather.
Watering Needs
Regular watering is essential during the early stages of the plant's life, especially during the hot and dry seasons. After the plant establishes itself, it can withstand dry spells and does not require regular watering. However, during prolonged dry spells, water the plant to maintain its vigor and overall health.
Too much water can cause root rots, but it's best not to let the soil dry out completely. When watering, avoid wetting the foliage since the plant is prone to fungal diseases.
Fertilization
Crataegus regalis Beadle var. paradoxa (Sarg.) Palmer benefits from regular fertilization to promote growth and flowering. Apply a balanced fertilizer, such as a 10-10-10, during the growing season. Fertilize the tree in early spring before new growth and again in early summer. Applying organic matter, such as compost, also helps maintain soil fertility.
Avoid over-fertilizing since this may result in excessive vegetative growth, reducing flowering and fruiting.
Pruning
Pruning is an essential aspect of growing Crataegus regalis Beadle var. paradoxa (Sarg.) Palmer. Regular pruning promotes a healthier tree, enhances its shape, and encourages more consistent flowering and fruiting. The best time to prune is during the dormant season, before new growth begins.
When pruning, remove any dead, diseased, or crossing branches. Thin out crowded branches to improve airflow and light penetration, and remove any suckers that emerge from the base of the tree. Use sharp pruning tools and disinfect them between cuts to prevent the spread of diseases.
Propagation of Crataegus regalis Beadle var. paradoxa (Sarg.) Palmer
Crataegus regalis Beadle var. paradoxa (Sarg.) Palmer, commonly known as paradoxical hawthorn, is a deciduous shrub or small tree that belongs to the Rosaceae family. The plant is native to North America, especially in Texas, Oklahoma, Missouri, and Arkansas. It has an ornamental value due to its beautiful white flowers and edible red fruits. Propagation is the process of creating new plants from either seeds or vegetative parts.
Propagation by Seeds
The easiest and most common way to propagate C. regalis var. paradoxa is through seeds. The best time to collect the seeds is during the fall season when the fruits ripen. The seeds of hawthorns are hard and woody, so they need to undergo a process called stratification to break dormancy. Stratification can be done artificially in the following way:
- Place the seeds in a plastic bag with moist sand or vermiculite.
- Store the bag in a refrigerator at 33 to 41°F (1 to 5°C) for 60 to 90 days.
- After the stratification period, sow the seeds in a well-draining soil mix.
- Place the pots in a warm, bright location, but avoid direct sunlight.
- Germination can take up to 90 days.
Propagation by Cuttings
C. regalis var. paradoxa can also be propagated by hardwood cuttings taken in the late fall or early winter. Select a healthy, straight stem that is about pencil-width and is free from diseases or pests. The cutting should be at least 12 inches long and should have a few nodes. Follow these steps to propagate by cuttings:
- Cut the stem into pieces that are 6 to 8 inches long.
- Remove the leaves from the bottom half of the cutting, leaving 2 to 4 leaves at the top.
- Dip the cut ends into a rooting hormone powder.
- Insert the cuttings into a well-draining soil mix, leaving only the top leaves above the soil surface.
- Cover the pot with a plastic bag to maintain high humidity.
- Place the pot in a location with indirect sunlight and keep the soil moist.
- Rooting should occur within 8 to 10 weeks.
Propagation by cuttings is more reliable than propagation by seeds since it produces clones of the parent plant.
Disease and Pest Management for Crataegus regalis Beadle var. paradoxa (Sarg.) Palmer
Crataegus regalis Beadle var. paradoxa (Sarg.) Palmer, commonly known as the paradoxical hawthorn, is a species of hawthorn that is typically found in eastern North America. While this plant is generally resilient and can tolerate a range of conditions, it is still susceptible to certain diseases and pests that can affect its growth and overall health.
Common Diseases
One of the most common diseases that affect Crataegus regalis is fire blight, which is caused by a bacterium called Erwinia amylovora. Symptoms of fire blight include wilting, blackening, and necrosis of leaves, flowers, and branches. To manage fire blight, affected branches should be pruned out and destroyed, and the plant should be treated with a copper-based fungicide to prevent further infection.
Another common disease that affects this plant is leaf spot, which is caused by the fungus Entomosporium mespili. Symptoms of leaf spot include small, circular red spots on the leaves that eventually turn brown and cause defoliation. To manage leaf spot, it is important to practice good sanitation by removing infected leaves and treating the plant with a fungicide.
Common Pests
The most common pests that affect Crataegus regalis are aphids and spider mites. Aphids are small, soft-bodied insects that feed on the sap of the plant, causing stunted growth and deformation. To manage aphids, it is important to introduce natural predators, such as ladybugs or lacewings, and to spray the plant with a mixture of water and insecticidal soap.
Spider mites are tiny, spider-like insects that also feed on the sap of the plant, causing yellowing and browning of leaves. To manage spider mites, it is important to mist the plant regularly with water to increase humidity and to spray it with a mixture of water and insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Conclusion
Overall, to keep Crataegus regalis healthy and free from disease and pests, it is important to practice good sanitation, introduce natural predators, and use appropriate fungicides and insecticides when necessary. With the right care, this plant can thrive and provide a beautiful addition to any garden or landscape.
