Fraxinus longicuspis: Overview
Fraxinus longicuspis, also known as the Long-tipped Ash, is a deciduous tree that belongs to the Oleaceae family. It is native to East Asia, specifically found in China and Japan.
Physical Description
The Fraxinus longicuspis can grow up to 18 meters tall and has a trunk diameter of up to 50 cm. Its bark is grayish-brown with shallow fissures and has a diamond-shaped pattern. The leaves are pinnately compound, with 5-7 leaflets that are elliptic to lanceolate and grow up to 18 cm long. Its fruits are samaras, which are flat and winged, and grow up to 4 cm long.
Common Names
The Fraxinus longicuspis is commonly known as Long-tipped ash, Ash bark, Ashen-leaved ash, and Japanese ash.
Uses
The wood of Fraxinus longicuspis is used in furniture making, flooring, and tool handles. Its bark is used in traditional Chinese medicine to treat diarrhea, malaria, and dysentery. The tree is also planted as an ornamental tree in gardens and landscapes for its beautiful foliage and autumn coloration.
Light Requirements
Fraxinus longicuspis prefers to grow in full sunlight. It can tolerate some shade, but too much shade can lead to weak growth and decreased resistance to disease and pests.
Temperature Requirements
Fraxinus longicuspis can tolerate a wide range of temperatures, but it prefers to grow in a mild climate between 20-25°C during the growing season. It can survive temperatures below freezing but may experience leaf drop and damage.
Soil Requirements
Fraxinus longicuspis prefers well-drained, fertile soil that is slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0-7.0). It can tolerate a variety of soil textures, but it grows best in loamy soils that retain moisture without becoming waterlogged.
Cultivation
Fraxinus longicuspis, commonly known as the Long-tailed Ash, thrives in well-drained soils with a pH preferably ranging from 6.5 to 7.5. This tree species thrives well in full sun but can still survive with partial shade. It can grow up to 20 meters tall and prefers a sheltered position to avoid wind damage. The plant is propagated through seed or from semi-hardwood cuttings taken in summer.
Watering Needs
Long-tailed Ash requires regular watering, especially during periods of extreme weather conditions. Water the tree deeply, ensuring the soil is moist up to the root balls. The tree needs water to grow healthy roots and withstand dry conditions.
Fertilization
Fertilize the tree during the growing season to encourage healthy growth. You can use balanced fertilizers like 10-10-10 or slow-release fertilizers with a nitrogen-phosphorus-potassium ratio of 2-1-1. Add the fertilizers to the soil around the tree and water it thoroughly to aid with absorption.
Pruning
Prune Fraxinus longicuspis to maintain the desired shape and size. Pruning is best done during the dormant period in winter. Start by removing damaged or diseased branches and then remove any crossing branches or those that compete for space. Use sharp pruning equipment and make clean cuts to avoid creating entryways for diseases.
Propagation of Fraxinus longicuspis
Fraxinus longicuspis is commonly referred to as the Long-leafed ash and is native to Australia. It is an attractive tree that can grow up to 10 meters high and 5 meters wide. Propagation of Fraxinus longicuspis is through seed germination, cuttings, and grafting.
Seed Germination
Seeds of Fraxinus longicuspis can be sowed directly in the ground or in containers. The seeds require stratification or cold-treatment to encourage germination. Before sowing the seeds, it is advisable to soak them in water to help soften the hard outer coat. The seeds should be sown at a depth of about 1 cm and lightly covered with soil. Germination should take place within two to three weeks.
Cuttings
Fraxinus longicuspis cuttings are taken from mature trees. The best time to take cuttings is during late autumn or early spring. Semi-hardwood cuttings are the most preferred because they root easily. Before planting the cuttings, they should be dipped in rooting hormone to encourage root formation. The cuttings should be planted in a well-draining soil mixture and placed in a warm, humid area to promote root growth.
Grafting
Grafting is a commonly used propagation method for Fraxinus longicuspis. It is particularly useful when trying to produce trees with specific characteristics. The grafting process involves taking a healthy established plant referred to as the scion and joining it with a suitable rootstock. The rootstock is chosen for its strong, healthy root system. Grafting should be done when the tree is dormant. The grafted plant should be kept warm and moist until new growth appears.
Propagation of Fraxinus longicuspis is relatively easy, and with the right conditions, success is almost guaranteed. Regardless of the propagation method used, it is important to ensure that the new plants receive adequate water, light, and nutrients to encourage growth and ensure their survival.
Disease and Pest Management for Fraxinus Longicuspis
Fraxinus longicuspis, commonly known as the Chinese ash tree, is a sturdy tree species that is resistant to many pests and diseases. However, it is still vulnerable to some common pests and diseases, and it is important to manage them properly to ensure the tree's health.
Common Diseases that Affect Chinese Ash Trees
1. Verticillium Wilt: This is a fungal disease that infects the tree's vascular system and disrupts its ability to transport water and nutrients. Common symptoms include yellowing and wilting of leaves, leaf drop, and dieback of branches. Control options include pruning of infected branches, chemical fungicides, and use of resistant cultivars.
2. Ash Dieback: This is a fungal disease caused by the pathogen Hymenoscyphus fraxineus. Symptoms include leaf loss, twig dieback, cankers on the bark, and eventual death of the tree. Control options include pruning of infected branches, chemical fungicides, and planting resistant cultivars.
Common Pests that Affect Chinese Ash Trees
1. Emerald Ash Borer: The emerald ash borer is a beetle that feeds on the tree's bark and disrupts its ability to transport water and nutrients. Symptoms include canopy thinning, branch dieback, and D-shaped exit holes on the bark. Control options include chemical insecticides, physical removal of infested trees, and use of biological controls.
2. Ash Whitefly: The ash whitefly is a tiny insect that feeds on the tree's sap and causes yellowing and wilting of leaves. Control options include physical removal of infested leaves, chemical insecticides, and use of natural predators.
3. Ash Flower Gall Mite: The ash flower gall mite is a mite that feeds on the tree's flowers and causes distortion and discoloration of the blooms. Control options include pruning of infected branches, chemical insecticides, and use of natural predators.
Overall, it is important to monitor the health of Chinese ash trees regularly and take appropriate action to manage pest and disease problems as they arise. A combination of cultural, chemical, and biological controls may be necessary to maintain the tree's health over time.
