Overview of Fraxinus uhdei (Wenzig) Lingelsh.
Fraxinus uhdei, also known as Shamel Ash or Mexican Ash, belongs to the Oleaceae family. It is native to the highlands of Mexico and Guatemala. The tree species was introduced to the United States in the early 20th century as an ornamental tree, but today it is widely used as a shade tree, windbreak, and in reforestation efforts.
General Appearance
The Fraxinus uhdei tree can grow up to 80 feet tall, with a trunk diameter measuring anywhere from 2 to 3 feet. Its leaves are compound with 5 to 9 leaflets that are arranged oppositely on the stems, measuring about 15 inches long. The leaflets are oval-shaped with serrated margins, with a shiny green color and have a smooth texture on the top surface. Its bark is gray-brown and deeply furrowed on older trees. Younger trees have a smooth bark with a gray-green color and prominent deer-resistant buds.
Common Names and Uses
Fraxinus uhdei is commonly referred to as Shamel Ash, and Mexican Ash. The tree is highly prized for its ornamental value and is planted widely in urban areas as a shade tree. It is a fast-growing species with a broad canopy that provides ample shade. In addition to its ornamental value, the tree has a variety of other uses. Its wood is used for making furniture, crates, tool handles, and other items. It is also used in landscaping and soil conservation efforts, as it can help prevent erosion due to its large root system.
Another important use of Fraxinus uhdei is its medicinal properties. Various parts of the plant such as leaves, bark, and seeds, have been used in traditional medicine to treat a wide range of ailments, including fever, headache, and skin disorders. The plant contains potent phytochemical compounds that have been studied for their potential therapeutic effects, including anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antioxidative properties.
In conclusion, Fraxinus uhdei is a versatile tree species that offers many benefits to humans. Its hardy nature and diverse uses make it an important species in forestry, landscaping, and traditional medicine.
Light requirements
The Fraxinus uhdei plant requires full sun or partial shade for optimal growth. The plant can tolerate some shading, but too much shade can cause the tree to grow poorly.
Temperature requirements
The Fraxinus uhdei plant is native to Mexico and is well adapted to warm temperatures. The plant prefers a warm climate with an average temperature range of 60-90°F (15-32°C) and can tolerate temperatures as low as 20°F (-6°C). The plant is not tolerant of extreme cold weather and may suffer from frost damage if grown in areas with low winter temperatures.
Soil requirements
The Fraxinus uhdei plant prefers deep, well-draining soils that are rich in nutrients. The plant can tolerate a range of soil types, including clay, loam, and sandy soils. However, the plant does not grow well in shallow soils and prefers soils with a pH range between 5.5-7.5. The plant requires regular watering, but it does not tolerate waterlogged soils, which can cause root rot and other diseases.
Cultivation of Fraxinus Uhdei (Wenzig) Lingelsh.
Fraxinus uhdei, also known as Shamel Ash, is a low-maintenance, drought-resistant tree and can grow up to 50 feet tall. The best time to plant Fraxinus uhdei is during late winter or early spring when the soil temperature is between 50 and 65 degrees Fahrenheit.
Watering needs of Fraxinus Uhdei (Wenzig) Lingelsh.
Fraxinus uhdei needs to be watered deeply and infrequently. Water the tree once a week, during the dry season, and supplement with extra watering during the hottest months of summer. Avoid overwatering as it can cause root rot.
Fertilization of Fraxinus Uhdei (Wenzig) Lingelsh.
Fraxinus uhdei does not require much fertilization, and excessive amounts can harm the tree. Fertilize once a year, in early spring, with a slow-release fertilizer. Spread the fertilizer under the tree's dripline and water it in.
Pruning of Fraxinus Uhdei (Wenzig) Lingelsh.
Fraxinus uhdei needs minimal pruning, and it should be done during its dormant season, late fall to early spring. Prune to remove dead or damaged branches and any branches that cross or rub against each other. Do not remove more than 25% of the tree's canopy in any given year.
Propagation of Fraxinus uhdei
Fraxinus uhdei, also known as Shamel Ash, is a deciduous tree native to Mexico. Propagation of this plant can be done through several methods:
Seed propagation
Seeds can be collected from mature fruits that have fallen on the ground. The seeds should be cleaned and soaked in water for 24 hours. Sowing should be done in the spring, and germination can take up to 60 days. Stratification can be used to speed up germination. Seedlings can be transplanted to individual pots when they are large enough to hold.
Cuttings propagation
Cuttings can be taken from the current year's growth during the dormant season. Cuttings should be 6 to 8 inches long and should have at least two nodes. Cuttings should be treated with a rooting hormone and then planted in a well-draining potting mix. They should be kept in a warm, humid environment until roots develop. Once rooted, they can be transplanted to individual pots.
Air-layering propagation
Air-layering is a method that involves wounding a stem or branch and covering the wound with a rooting hormone and moss. A plastic wrap is used to hold the moss in place and keep it moist. Roots will develop where the wound was made, and once the roots are established, the branch can be cut off and planted in a potting mix.
Grafting propagation
Grafting is a method that involves combining two different parts of a plant to create a new plant with desirable characteristics. Scions can be taken from a mature tree and grafted onto rootstock that has been grown from seed or cutting. This method requires skill and knowledge of grafting techniques.
Disease and Pest Management for Fraxinus uhdei
Fraxinus uhdei, commonly known as Shamel Ash, is a popular ornamental tree native to Mexico and parts of Central America. While it is relatively hardy and tolerant of a wide range of conditions, it is still susceptible to a variety of diseases and pests. Here are some of the most common issues and ways to manage them.
Diseases
One of the most significant diseases that can affect Shamel Ash is ash dieback, caused by the fungus Hymenoscyphus fraxineus. This disease can lead to significant dieback of branches and eventually death of the tree. The best way to manage ash dieback is to prevent its spread by removing and destroying affected branches and trees. Fungicide treatments may also be effective in reducing the disease's impact.
Another disease to watch out for is verticillium wilt, which is caused by soil-borne fungi of the genus Verticillium. Symptoms of verticillium wilt include yellowing and wilting of leaves, branch dieback, and stunted growth. The disease can be managed by avoiding planting in infected soil, improving soil drainage, and pruning affected branches.
Pests
Shamel Ash is also susceptible to a variety of pests, including the ash flower gall mite, which causes distorted growth and leaf galls. Removing affected leaves and pruning affected branches can help reduce the impact of this pest. Another pest to watch out for is the ash whitefly, which can cause yellowing and leaf drop. Natural predators, such as ladybugs and lacewings, can be effective in controlling ash whiteflies.
Caterpillars, such as the ash sawfly and the io moth, can also cause defoliation in Shamel Ash. Picking off caterpillars by hand can help manage infestations. Bacillus thuringiensis, a naturally occurring bacteria, can also be effective in controlling caterpillars.
Regular inspection and proper maintenance are essential for managing disease and pest issues in Fraxinus uhdei. Keeping the tree healthy and stress-free can also help reduce its susceptibility to problems. In case of severe infestation or disease, it is recommended to seek advice from a professional arborist.
