Description of Pistacia chinensis Bunge var. falcata (Mart.) Zohary
Pistacia chinensis Bunge var. falcata (Mart.) Zohary is a small deciduous tree or shrub that belongs to the family Anacardiaceae. This plant is native to China, Japan, Taiwan, and Korea, where it grows in a variety of habitats, including slopes, rocky areas, and forests.
Common Names
This species of Pistacia has several common names. In China, it is called "xiang zhu" or "hua shan xiang zhu," while in Japan, it is known as "chinesukumo" or "chinesemori." In English, it is commonly referred to as the Chinese pistachio or Chinese mastic tree.
General Appearance
The Chinese pistachio is a small tree or shrub that grows up to 10 meters in height. It has a spreading crown with a diameter of up to 8 meters. The bark of the tree is grayish-brown and smooth when the plant is young, but it becomes rough and scaly when it matures. The leaves of the Chinese pistachio are pinnate with 10-14 lanceolate leaflets. The foliage turns from a bright green color to shades of yellow, orange, and red in the autumn.
The flowers of the Chinese pistachio are small and inconspicuous, and they bloom in the spring. The male and female flowers are borne on separate trees, and the fruit is a small drupe that is typically red or purple when mature. The seeds of the fruit are edible and have a slightly sweet taste.
Uses
The Chinese pistachio is a popular ornamental plant due to its attractive foliage and beautiful autumn colors. The tree is also used in traditional Chinese medicine for various ailments, including diarrhea, dysentery, and abdominal pain. Additionally, the seeds of the fruit are sometimes used as a flavoring for baked goods and as a food colorant.
In summary, Pistacia chinensis Bunge var. falcata (Mart.) Zohary is a versatile and attractive plant that is valued for its ornamental, medicinal, and culinary uses.
Light Requirements
Pistacia chinensis Bunge var. falcata thrives in full sunlight. It requires a minimum of six hours of direct sunlight daily to grow healthily. In areas with hot climatic conditions, it can tolerate partial shade, but for optimal growth, full sunlight is necessary.
Temperature Requirements
This plant is tolerant of extreme temperatures and can adapt to temperature ranges between -15°C to 40°C. However, Pistacia chinensis Bunge var. falcata doesn't tolerate frost and prefers an average temperature of 25°C to achieve maximum growth. This plant species can survive in tropical, subtropical, and warm-temperate regions and tolerates high humidity levels.
Soil Requirements
Pistacia chinensis Bunge var. falcata grows well in well-drained, fertile soils, with a pH range of 6.0–8.0. The soil should be rich in nutrients and have good water-holding capacity. If the soil is sandy or loamy, organic matter should be added to increase its nutrient content and improve water retention. This plant is tolerant of slightly saline and alkaline soils and can grow in soils with a high lime content. However, it doesn't grow well in waterlogged or heavy clay soils.
Cultivation Methods
Pistacia chinensis Bunge var. falcata (Mart.) Zohary, commonly known as Chinese pistache, has a hardy and robust nature and can grow in a range of soil types. To cultivate this plant, start by selecting a sunny and well-drained area. Plant the tree in the ground, ensuring that the hole is twice the size of the root ball. Fill the hole and fertilize the soil slightly before watering thoroughly. Plant the tree during the dormant season (winter), preferably in January or February.
Watering Needs
To ensure proper growth and development, Chinese pistache requires consistent watering. During the growing season, watering should be done once a week. The frequency of watering can be reduced during the dormant season, as the plant requires less water. It would be best if you avoided over-watering the plant, as this can cause root rot, which can be fatal.
Fertilization
While Chinese pistache does not require frequent fertilization, it is essential to fertilize to ensure optimal health. Fertilization should be done at the beginning of the growing season, preferably in late winter or early spring. The best fertilizer is a balanced fertilizer, with a 10-10-10 ratio of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Apply the fertilizer according to the package instructions, taking care not to over-fertilize, which can burn the plant.
Pruning
Pruning is essential to maintain the shape and vigor of the Chinese pistache tree. Pruning should be done in late winter or early spring before the growing season. The aim of pruning is to remove any broken, diseased, or dead branches and to shape the tree. Prune the tree using sharp and sterilized pruning shears, taking care not to damage the tree. The branches should be cut at an angle to promote healing. Avoid over-pruning, as this can reduce growth and lead to damage to the tree.
Propagation of Pistacia Chinensis Bunge var. Falcata (Mart.) Zohary
Pistacia Chinensis Bunge var. Falcata (Mart.) Zohary can be propagated through various methods. These methods include:
Seed Propagation
Seeds can be extracted from the fruit, cleaned, and sown in a pot or directly in the ground. It is best to sow the seeds in early spring, and the germination time is usually around three to four weeks. Pistacia chinensis is generally self-fertile; hence both male and female trees can be propagated by seed.
Cutting Propagation
Stem cuttings can also be used for propagation. A mature stem is cut and planted in a pot filled with well-draining soil. The cutting should be approximately six inches long, and all leaves should be removed, except for the top two. The potting soil should be kept moist, and the cutting should root in approximately eight weeks.
Grafting Propagation
Grafting is another method of propagating Pistacia Chinensis Bunge var. Falcata (Mart.) Zohary. The most commonly used grafting technique is known as T-budding. The T-budding technique involves removing a bud from the scion (a twig or branch from the parent plant) and attaching it to a rootstock. The rootstock is usually Pistacia integerrima, which is hardier and more disease resistant than Pistacia chinensis. The T-budding technique is commonly used in commercial production as it is more efficient than other methods, producing more plants in a shorter time.
Disease Management
Pistacia chinensis Bunge var. falcata (Mart.) Zohary, also known as Chinese pistache, is generally a hardy plant, but it is still susceptible to a few diseases. One of the most common diseases is verticillium wilt. This fungal disease enters the plant through the roots and can cause sudden wilting and yellowing of the leaves. To manage this disease, it is essential to ensure good drainage, avoid overwatering, remove infected plants, and rotate crops.
Another disease that might affect Chinese pistache is bacterial leaf spot. This disease presents itself in the form of small, dark, water-soaked spots on the leaves. As the disease progresses, these spots grow and become necrotic. To manage bacterial leaf spot, it is essential to remove the diseased leaves promptly, provide adequate air circulation, and avoid overhead watering.
Pest Management
Chinese pistache is not only susceptible to diseases but pests as well. One pest commonly found on Chinese pistache is the aphid. These tiny insects feed on the plant's sap and can cause leaf curling and stunted growth. To manage this pest, it is essential to use a high-pressure water spray to knock them off the plant, concentrate on pest prevention, and introduce natural predators like ladybugs and lacewings.
The treehopper is another pest that might affect Chinese pistache. Foliage and twigs of affected plant parts become yellow or brown, and the tree grows slower. The best way to manage this pest is to scrub it off the plant with soap and water, prune the affected parts, and use insecticides only as a last resort.
To keep Chinese pistache healthy and pest-free, it is essential to ensure optimal growing conditions, including adequate light, well-draining soil, and adequate water. In case of severe pest or disease infestations, it is important to consult an arborist or a horticulturist for appropriate management strategies.
