Overview
Cudrania tricuspidata is a small to medium-sized deciduous tree belonging to the family Moraceae. It is native to eastern Asia, particularly China, Korea, and Japan.
Common Names
The plant is commonly known as Chinese mulberry, Mandarin melon berry, and Che. It is also referred to as "Tochu" in Japan.
General Appearance
Cudrania tricuspidata can grow up to 20 meters in height, although it is usually much smaller. Its bark is gray-brown and has a rough texture. The leaves are alternate, simple, and have a serrated margin. They are dark green, hairy, and have a glossy surface. The plant produces small greenish-yellow flowers in the summer.
The fruit of Cudrania tricuspidata is a small, round, and fleshy drupe that looks like a green cherry. The fruit turns yellow-orange when ripe and has a sweet-tart flavor. The fruit can be eaten fresh or used to make jams, jellies, and wines.
Uses
Cudrania tricuspidata has various uses in traditional medicine. The fruit is believed to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties and is used to treat coughs, sore throats, and the common cold. The plant's bark, roots, and leaves are also used to treat a variety of health conditions, including hypertension, diabetes, and digestive disorders.
In addition to its medicinal uses, Cudrania tricuspidata is used in landscaping and as an ornamental plant. Its fruit is also popular in culinary creations in many Asian cultures.
Light Requirements
Cudrania tricuspidata grows best in full sun to partial shade. It can tolerate some shade, but it will not flower as prolifically if it does not receive adequate sunlight. It is important to note that the plant is sensitive to strong winds, so it is best to avoid planting it in areas with high wind exposure.
Temperature Requirements
Cudrania tricuspidata is most commonly found in temperate regions. It can tolerate a wide range of temperatures, but it prefers moderate temperatures between 18°C to 25°C. The plant can survive in temperatures as low as -20°C, but it may not grow as vigorously during cold months.
Soil Requirements
Cudrania tricuspidata is a hardy plant that can grow in a variety of soil types. However, it prefers well-drained soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.5. It can tolerate slightly acidic or alkaline soil, but it will not grow well in soils with poor drainage. The plant is also sensitive to waterlogging and should not be planted in areas with standing water or heavy clay soils.
Cultivation of Cudrania Tricuspidata
Cudrania tricuspidata, commonly known as the Chinese mulberry or Mandarin melon berry, is a shrub or small tree that is native to China. It is relatively easy to grow and requires minimal care. Here are some cultivation tips:
Planting
The best time to plant Cudrania tricuspidata is in early spring or fall when the temperatures are moderate. It requires well-drained soil and full to partial sunlight. Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball and the same depth as the container it came in. Gently remove the plant from the container and place it in the hole. Backfill with soil and water thoroughly.
Watering Needs
When it comes to watering, Cudrania tricuspidata is relatively drought-tolerant and typically only needs watering once a week. However, during very hot and dry weather, it might require additional watering. Avoid over-watering as it could lead to root rot.
Fertilization
You can use a general-purpose fertilizer in the early spring before the growing season begins. Avoid fertilizing during the fall as it could stimulate new growth that might not have time to harden off before the onset of winter. Be cautious not to over-fertilize as it could cause excessive vegetative growth at the expense of fruiting.
Pruning
Cudrania tricuspidata can be maintained as either a shrub or small tree. Regular pruning is necessary to maintain its shape and size. Prune the plant in late winter or early spring before the growing season begins. Remove weak, diseased, or damaged branches. Cut back any branches that have grown out of bounds. Shorten last year's growth to promote branching and fruiting.
Propagation of Cudrania tricuspidata
Cudrania tricuspidata (Carr.) Bureau ex Lavallée can be propagated through both sexual and asexual methods.
Sexual propagation
Seeds are the main way to propagate Cudrania tricuspidata sexually. The fruit is a multiple fruit, with numerous small achenes that enclose a single seed each. The achenes can be collected and used for propagation.
Seeds should be collected from ripe fruit, cleaned, and sown in a well-drained potting mix. The seeds should be sown less than 1 cm deep in the soil and kept evenly moist. Germination will occur in 2-3 weeks at temperatures between 20-25°C.
Asexual propagation
Asexual propagation of Cudrania tricuspidata can be done through cuttings, layering, and grafting.
Cuttings are taken from young shoots in the spring or summer seasons. The cuttings should be 10-15 cm long, with two to three nodes. The base of the cutting is treated with rooting hormone and placed in a well-drained potting mix. The pot is then covered with a plastic bag and kept in a shaded area. Roots will form in 4-6 weeks, and the cutting can be transplanted to its permanent location after six months.
Layering involves bending an older, low-lying branch to the ground and securing it to the soil. A shallow cut is made on the underside of the branch, and it is covered with soil and kept moist. The branch will form roots in 1-2 months, and it can be separated from the parent plant and transplanted after six months.
Grafting is the process of joining a Cudrania tricuspidata scion to a rootstock of a related species. It is done to produce trees with desirable qualities, such as disease resistance or faster growth. The best time to graft is in the spring, and the graft union should be covered with a grafting wax to prevent water loss and infections.
Disease and Pest Management for Cudrania Tricuspidata Plants
Cudrania tricuspidata, commonly known as mandarin melon berry or Chinese mulberry, is a small tree that is relatively resistant to pests and diseases. However, like all plants, it is susceptible to certain conditions that may cause it to decline or die. Here are some common diseases and pests that might affect the plant and some ways to manage them:
Diseases
Anthracnose: This is a fungal disease that causes brown spots on leaves, stems, and fruits. It can be controlled by pruning infected branches, improving air circulation around the plant, and applying fungicides containing copper or sulfur.
Root Rot: This disease is caused by too much moisture around the roots, leading to fungal growth and plant death. To prevent root rot, avoid over-watering the plant, improving soil drainage, and using fungicides containing phosphorous acid or fludioxonil.
Pests
Scale Insects: These pests suck the sap from the plant's leaves and stems, causing them to turn yellow and eventually die. Scale insects can be removed by rubbing the leaves and stems with a cotton swab dipped in alcohol or by using insecticides containing pyrethrin or neem oil.
Spider Mites: These pests can be identified by the presence of webbing on the plant's leaves and stems. They suck the sap from the plant and cause stunted growth and yellowing of leaves. Spider mites can be controlled by applying insecticides containing pyrethrin or neem oil and improving humidity around the plant.
Caterpillars: These pests chew on the plant's leaves and can cause significant damage if left unchecked. They can be removed by handpicking or by using insecticides containing Bacillus thuringiensis.
By following the above guidelines for disease and pest management for Cudrania tricuspidata plants, you can ensure that your plant remains healthy and productive for years to come.
