Overview of Mespilus Germanica
Mespilus Germanica, commonly known as medlar or common medlar, is a small deciduous tree or shrub that belongs to the Rosaceae family. It is native to Southeastern Europe and Southwest Asia but is now commonly found in different parts of the world such as Europe, North Africa, and Asia Minor.
Appearance of Mespilus Germanica
The medlar tree grows up to a height of 6 to 8 meters. It has a gnarled trunk and a rounded, spreading canopy. The bark of the medlar tree is a dark, scaly grey. The leaves are obovate in shape and are about 8-15 cm long. The Medlar tree blooms in the springtime with white or pink flowers. The fruit has a unique texture and shape, resembling a small rotten apple that is about 3-5 cm in diameter. It remains hard and inedible until it becomes soft and ripe with an edible pulp.
Uses of Mespilus Germanica
The medlar tree was initially cultivated for its ornamental value, and the fruit was consumed for medicinal purposes. Medlar fruit was a popular food in ancient times and was considered a delicacy in medieval Europe. The ripe fruit is used in the preparation of jams, jellies, and pies, and can be used to make medlar wine. Medlar is also used for the preparation of traditional medicines, as it is an excellent source of dietary fiber, vitamin C, and potassium. The wood of the medlar tree is dense, fine-grained, and durable, making it useful for making small utensils, veneers, and furniture.
In summary, Mespilus Germanica is a small deciduous tree or shrub, native to Southeastern Europe and Southwest Asia. Its fruit, known as the medlar, has been used for various culinary and medicinal purposes. The medlar tree is an excellent addition to any landscape due to its unique gnarled appearance.Light Requirements
The Mespilus germanica plant requires full sun exposure to grow and develop properly. Therefore, it is recommended to plant it under direct sunlight for at least six to eight hours a day.
Temperature Requirements
The plant grows best in temperate climates with cool winters and warm summers. It can tolerate moderate frost but will not thrive in extreme cold conditions. The ideal temperature for the Mespilus germanica plant to grow is between 15°C to 25°C
Soil Requirements
The Mespilus germanica plant favors well-drained soils that are rich in organic matter. It can grow in a variety of soil types, including loam, sand, or clay. However, it is recommended to avoid planting it in waterlogged and heavy soils, which can lead to root rot. The ideal pH range for the soil should be between 6.0-7.5.
Cultivation methods
Mespilus germanica, commonly known as medlar, is a small deciduous tree that reaches up to 8 meters in height. It thrives in full sun but can tolerate partial shade too. This plant is not very demanding in terms of soil, but it grows best in fertile, well-draining, and sandy loam soil. Before planting, prepare the soil by adding organic matter and ensure good drainage is in place.
Watering needs
Medlar requires moderate watering during the growing season, especially during the hot and dry months. Water the plant deeply once every two weeks, allowing the soil to dry slightly between watering sessions. Avoid overwatering as this could lead to root rot and other fungal diseases.
Fertilization
Fertilize medlar once a year during spring. Use well-decomposed manure or a balanced fertilizer with equal parts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Apply the fertilizer around the drip-line of the tree and water thoroughly to allow for proper absorption.
Pruning
Prune medlar during the dormant season, typically late winter or early spring. Remove any dead, diseased, or damaged branches first. Then shape the plant to match the desired form and structure. Ensure that the center of the tree is open and that all branches receive enough sunlight. Avoid severe pruning as this could damage the plant's structure and remove too many fruiting branches.
Propagation of Mespilus germanica
Mespilus germanica, commonly known as medlar, is usually propagated vegetatively using hardwood cuttings and grafting. The plant is hardy and has the ability to grow in most types of soils that are well-drained and fertile. Proper care and handling of the plant during propagation is important to facilitate healthy growth and development.
Vegetative Propagation
Vegetative propagation with hardwood cuttings is a common method of propagating Mespilus germanica. The best time to take cuttings is in the winter when the plant is dormant. The cuttings should be about 30 cm long and have a diameter of about 1cm. Cuttings should be taken from the current year's growth, and they should be free from any type of pest or disease. After taking cuttings, they should be treated with a rooting hormone and planted in a well-draining soil mix. The soil should be kept moist, but not waterlogged, until roots appear, after which regular watering can be resumed.
Grafting
Grafting is another propagation method that is used for Mespilus germanica. Grafting can be done in the early spring when the plant is starting to grow. Grafting works by joining a scion (a stem cutting) from a desirable plant onto the rootstock of another plant. The plants are typically of the same variety to create a genetically identical plant. Grafting not only allows for the production of plants with desired characteristics, but it can also reduce susceptibility to soil-borne diseases.
Overall, Mespilus germanica is a relatively easy plant to propagate using both vegetative and grafting methods. These methods allow growers to produce genetically identical plants that have desirable characteristics, such as disease resistance and superior fruit quality.
Disease and Pest Management for Mespilus germanica
Mespilus germanica, also known as the medlar tree, is a fruit-bearing tree that is generally easy to care for. However, it is susceptible to various pests and diseases that can damage or kill the plant. Here are some common diseases and pests that might affect the plant and how to manage them:
Diseases
Some common diseases that affect Mespilus germanica include:
Fungal Diseases:
Fungal diseases, such as powdery mildew, rust and leaf spot, can be a problem for Mespilus germanica. To manage these diseases, it is important to keep the plant well-ventilated to prevent the buildup of moisture. Avoid planting the trees too close together to prevent overcrowding and promote good air circulation. Prune diseased branches and remove any fallen leaves to prevent the spread of the disease. In severe cases, fungicides may be necessary, but it is always best to use natural remedies when possible.
Bacterial Canker:
Bacterial canker is a serious disease that can cause dieback and cankers on the branches and trunk of the tree. Unfortunately, there is no cure for bacterial canker, so the best approach is prevention. Practice good sanitation by removing any diseased limbs and monitoring the tree for any signs of disease. Avoid over-fertilizing the tree as this can make it more susceptible to disease.
Pests
Some common pests that can affect Mespilus germanica include:
Spider Mites:
Spider mites are tiny arachnids that can suck the sap from the leaves of the tree, causing yellowing and browning. To manage spider mites, rinse the leaves with a strong spray of water or apply insecticidal soap or oil.
Scale Insects:
Scale insects are tiny insects that feed on the sap of the tree, causing a yellowing or discoloration of the leaves. They also excrete a sticky substance known as honeydew that can attract ants. To manage scale insects, prune infected branches, and apply horticultural oil or insecticidal soap.
Fruit Fly:
Fruit flies can lay their eggs on the fruit of the tree, causing the fruit to rot prematurely. To manage fruit flies, remove any fallen fruit from the ground and harvest the ripe fruit as soon as possible to prevent the flies from laying their eggs. Additionally, you can use a sticky trap or bait trap to lure and kill the flies.
By practicing good plant hygiene and promptly addressing any issues, you can help keep your Mespilus germanica healthy and productive.
