Overview
Crataegus succulenta Schrad. ex Link var. macracantha (Lodd.) Egglest. is a species of plant native to North America and Europe. This plant belongs to the Rosaceae family and is commonly known as the Big-spine Hawthorn or the Goulon Hawthorn.
Description
The Crataegus succulenta Schrad. ex Link var. macracantha is a deciduous shrub, typically growing to a height of 4-6 meters. This plant has a dense and spreading habit with branches that are covered in thorns that can grow up to 7cm long. The leaves are lobed and finely toothed, with a glossy green surface on the upper side and paler on the underside. The flowers are white or pink and bloom in late spring, followed by red or orange fruit that is similar in shape to a small apple.
Uses
The Crataegus succulenta Schrad. ex Link var. macracantha has been used in traditional medicine to treat a variety of ailments. The fruit has been used to aid digestion and to reduce the risk of heart disease. The leaves and flowers have also been used to treat insomnia, anxiety, and high blood pressure. In addition, the plant has ornamental value and is often grown as an ornamental shrub in gardens and parks.
Cultivation
The Crataegus succulenta Schrad. ex Link var. macracantha prefers well-draining soils and full sunlight. The plant is hardy and tolerant of a range of soil types, including clay and sand. It is also drought-tolerant and can survive in areas with limited water availability. Propagation is typically done from seeds or hardwood cuttings in the winter or early spring. The plant is relatively low maintenance and requires minimal pruning to maintain its shape.
Light Requirements
The Crataegus succulenta Schrad. ex Link var. macracantha (Lodd.) Egglest. thrives in full sun to partial shade. It is recommended that the plant receives at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight for optimal growth. However, too much direct sunlight can lead to sun scorching and damage to the leaves.
Temperature Requirements
The plant prefers temperate climates and can survive in a wide range of temperatures. It is suitable for USDA plant hardiness zones 4 to 8. The ideal temperature range for the Crataegus succulenta Schrad. ex Link var. macracantha (Lodd.) Egglest. is between 65°F to 75°F (18°C to 24°C). However, the plant can tolerate high and low temperatures as extremes of temperature do not affect its growth significantly.
Soil Requirements
Crataegus succulenta Schrad. ex Link var. macracantha (Lodd.) Egglest. prefers moist, well-drained soils with moderate fertility. It can grow in various soil types but thrives best in slightly acidic soils (pH 6.0 to 7.0) with high organic matter content. The plant can tolerate some degree of drought but not waterlogged soils. If the soil drainage is not good, avoid overwatering and ensure that water does not remain stagnant around the roots of the plant.
Cultivation Methods
C. succulenta var. macracantha grows best in full sun to partial shade and fertile, well-draining soil. It is tolerant of a wide range of soil types, but prefers slightly acidic to neutral soils. The plant can be propagated by seed or by softwood cuttings taken in the early summer.
Watering Needs
The plant is relatively drought-tolerant once established, but regular watering is necessary for good growth and flowering. The soil should be kept evenly moist, but not waterlogged, and watering should be reduced during the winter months.
Fertilization
C. succulenta var. macracantha benefits from regular feeding with a balanced fertilizer during the growing season. Fertilizer can be applied every 4-6 weeks according to the manufacturer's instructions. It is important not to over-fertilize, as this can lead to excessive foliage growth at the expense of flowering.
Pruning
Pruning of C. succulenta var. macracantha should be carried out in late winter or early spring before the new growth starts. Dead or damaged branches should be removed, and the overall shape of the plant can be adjusted by selective pruning. The plant can be pruned lightly to encourage branching and a more compact habit. Avoid heavy pruning, as this can remove the flowering wood and reduce the floral display.
Propagation methods for Crataegus succulenta Schrad. ex Link var. macracantha (Lodd.) Egglest.
There are several ways to propagate Crataegus succulenta Schrad. ex Link var. macracantha (Lodd.) Egglest. Some of the most commonly used methods are:
Seed Propagation
Using seeds is one of the easiest ways to propagate this plant. Seeds can be collected from the fruit in autumn, cleaned, and then planted in the soil. The ideal time to plant the seeds is in the fall. The seedlings will emerge in the spring. When planting the seeds, ensure that they are not planted too deep into the soil. A depth of 1 to 2 inches is sufficient, and the soil should be kept moist but not wet.
Cuttings Propagation
Another method of propagating this plant is through the use of cuttings. Cuttings can be taken from the parent plant in summer or early autumn. The cuttings should be around 6 inches long and have at least two nodes. The leaves on the lower part of the cutting should be removed, leaving only two or three on the upper part. The cuttings should then be dipped in rooting hormone and planted in a well-draining soil mixture. The soil should be kept moist but not wet until the cuttings have begun to root. This process can take up to six months.
Air Layering Propagation
Air layering is another propagation method that can be used for Crataegus succulenta Schrad. ex Link var. macracantha (Lodd.) Egglest. This method involves wrapping a portion of the parent plant with a rooting medium, such as sphagnum moss or peat moss. The wrapped portion of the plant is then secured with a plastic bag or wrap and left in place for several months. The roots will eventually grow into the rooting medium, and the new plant can be separated from the parent plant and planted in a new location.
Disease and Pest Management for Crataegus succulenta Schrad. ex Link var. macracantha (Lodd.) Egglest.
Crataegus succulenta Schrad. ex Link var. macracantha (Lodd.) Egglest., commonly known as the fleshy hawthorn, is a plant that is vulnerable to several diseases and pests. Here are some common ones and how they can be managed:
Diseases
Bacterial Fire Blight: This is a bacterial disease that causes the fruits, leaves, flowers, and stems to blacken and wither. It spreads through insects, wind, water, and pruning tools. The ideal way to manage this disease is by using disease resistant cultivars. Ensure that you prune off the shoots 12-18 inches below where they are infected. Disinfect pruning tools or hands with a 70% alcohol solution thereby reducing the chances of a healthy part of the tree being infected.
Cedar-Apple Rust: This is a fungal disease that displays symptoms like yellow and green areas on the upper side of leaves accompanied by reddish-brown pustules. This disease spreads when the spores travel to nearby apple trees where the disease grows before spreading back to the cedar tree. To manage cedar-apple rust, you should avoid planting apples within 300 feet of cedars. Also, prune off galls found on the cedar tree in the winter to reduce the number of spores being produced.
Pests
Hawthorn Lace Bug: This is an insect pest that creates stippling and chlorotic spots on the leaves. It is essential to manage the population. Use biological control, such as the parasitic wasps that kill the hatching lace bug larvae via laying their eggs on them. Additionally, you can use insecticidal soap or neem oil for instance to control the pests.
Hawthorn Spider Mite: These pests cause the plant to appear dusty or have a greyish cast on the leaves with the underside of the leaves less color and the presence of webbing. Ensure that you choose a suitable cultivar and also keep the foliage healthy to promote resistance. Use compressed air or water to wash off the mites and remove the leaves with heavy infection. You can use insecticidal soap or neem oil to manage the population.
Overall, diseases and pests can affect the growth and blossoming of Crataegus succulenta Schrad. ex Link var. macracantha (Lodd.) Egglest. However, with these management practices in place, controlling and minimizing their effects would be easier and yield a mature fruit tree.
