Overview of Fagus orientalis
Fagus orientalis is a deciduous tree species known for its attractive foliage, ornamental value, and suitability for landscaping purposes. It belongs to the family Fagaceae and is native to the regions of Iran, Turkey, and Georgia.
Common Names
The plant is commonly known as Oriental Beech, Eastern White Beech, or Caucasian Beech in different parts of the world. In Turkey, it is referred to as Kizilcikli, while the Georgian name for the plant is Dzveli Bzha.
Uses of Fagus orientalis
Due to the attractive foliage and the ornamental value it adds to various outdoor spaces, Oriental Beech is commonly used in urban landscaping, parks, and gardens. Its wood is hard, heavy, and durable, which makes it suitable for furniture, flooring, and other construction applications.
Appearance of Fagus orientalis
The Oriental Beech is a large deciduous tree that can grow up to 35 meters in height and 1 meter in diameter. The tree has a straight trunk with grey, smooth bark that becomes rough and scaly as the tree ages. The leaves are broad, ovate, and shiny, with serrated margins that turn yellow in the autumn months. The plant produces flowers in the spring, and the fruits are triangular nuts enclosed in a spiny husk that drops to the ground in autumn.
Light requirements
Fagus orientalis requires full sun to partial shade for optimal growth. They can tolerate partial shade, particularly during the hottest hours of the day. However, full sun is required for optimal flowering and fruiting
Temperature requirements
The ideal growing temperature for Fagus orientalis ranges between 15°C and 25°C, with 18°C being the optimum temperature. Temperatures above 30°C will inhibit growth, while temperatures below 10°C will cause the plant to go dormant.
Soil requirements
Fagus orientalis prefers moist, well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. The pH level of the soil should be slightly acidic to neutral, ranging from 5.5 to 7.5. The plant can tolerate a wide range of soil types, including sandy, loamy, and clay soils.
Cultivation Methods:
The Fagus orientalis shrub prefers to grow in full sun to partial shade conditions and requires well-drained soil. It can grow in all types of soil but prefers slightly acidic soil with a pH between 6.5 to 7.5. The shrub has moderate tolerance to drought, high winds, and salt sprays. It is advisable to plant the shrub in the fall season.
Watering Needs:
The Fagus orientalis shrub requires regular watering during the growing season, especially during hot and dry weather conditions. The soil should be kept moist but not waterlogged. The frequency of watering depends on various factors such as soil type, humidity, and temperature. It is advisable to water the shrub deeply and regularly to encourage deep root growth and establish a robust root system.
Fertilization:
Fertilization is essential for the proper growth and development of the Fagus orientalis shrub. It is advisable to use a slow-release fertilizer during the growing season. The fertilizer should contain a balanced amount of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Over-fertilization should be avoided as it can lead to excessive foliage growth at the expense of flowers and fruits.
Pruning:
Regular pruning is necessary to maintain the shape and size of the Fagus orientalis shrub. Pruning is typically done during the dormant season, which is generally in late winter or early spring. Dead, diseased, and damaged branches should be removed promptly, and the cuts should be made close to the branch collar to encourage proper healing. Light pruning can also be done during the growing season to encourage branching and compact growth.
Propagation of Fagus orientalis
Fagus orientalis, commonly known as Oriental beech, is a deciduous tree that is native to Turkey and the Caucasus. It is known for its high ornamental value and is often propagated for aesthetic purposes. The propagation of Fagus orientalis can be done through several methods, including seed propagation, stem cuttings, and grafting.
Seed propagation
Seed propagation is the most common method used to propagate Fagus orientalis. It involves collecting seeds from mature trees during the fall season. The seeds should be stored in a cool dry place until the beginning of spring. In the spring, the seeds are sown in pots and kept in a warm and humid environment. The germination process can take up to a few weeks and requires consistent monitoring of soil moisture levels. Once the seedlings have grown to a proper size, they can be transplanted to their permanent locations.
Stem cuttings
Stem cuttings can also be used to propagate Fagus orientalis. This method involves taking stem cuttings from a mature tree in the spring or summer and dipping them in rooting hormone. The cuttings are then planted in a mixture of sand and peat moss and kept in a warm and humid environment until roots have formed. Once roots have formed, the cuttings can be transplanted to their permanent locations for further growth.
Grafting
Grafting is a method of propagation that involves attaching a cutting, or scion, from a desired tree onto the rootstock of another tree. This method is commonly used to propagate small numbers of trees or to produce trees with desirable characteristics. For Fagus orientalis, the cutting is usually taken in the winter when the tree is dormant. The scion is then attached to a rootstock with a compatible diameter and is kept in a warm and humid environment until the two parts have grown together as one plant. The grafted tree can then be transplanted to its permanent location.
Disease and Pest Management for Fagus orientalis
Fagus orientalis, commonly known as the Oriental beech, is a deciduous tree species that is native to Asia. To ensure the healthy growth of the plant, it is essential to protect it from common pests and diseases that can negatively affect its development. Here are some common diseases and pests that might affect the plant and suggest ways to manage them.
Common Diseases
Beech Bark Disease: This disease is caused by a combination of insect and fungal infections. Signs of beech bark disease include cankers that form on the bark and white scale-like insects on the tree's bark. To manage beech bark disease, it is essential to remove infected branches and keep the tree healthy with good nutrient management.
Leaf Spots: Leaf spots are caused by fungal infections and appear as small, dark spots on the leaves. To manage leaf spots, it is important to remove infected leaves and avoid overhead watering, which can promote the growth of the fungus. Applying fungicides can also be an effective management strategy.
Common Pests
Beech Scale Insects: These insects are small and white, and they feed off the tree's sap, causing yellowing leaves, stunted growth, and eventual death of the tree. To manage beech scale insects, you can use insecticides or natural predators such as ladybugs, lacewings, or parasitic wasps.
Beech Leaf Mining Weevil: This pest is a small fly that lays eggs on the tree's leaves. The larvae then mine the leaves, causing them to turn brown and wilt. To manage beech leaf mining weevil, you can use insecticides or natural controls such as parasitic wasps.
By being vigilant about the appearance of disease and pests, and taking prompt action when symptoms arise, you can help ensure that your Fagus orientalis remains healthy and beautiful for many years to come.
