2024 Author: Gavin MacAdam | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 13:38
Flatseed (lat. Princepia) - an ornamental-leaved woody plant from the Rosaceae family. The second name is prinsepia.
Description
The flat-seed is a fast-growing deciduous shrub, the height of which ranges from two to three meters. And above its leaves there are small thorns - several of them above each leaf. The bark of these shrubs is usually flaky, and their simple alternate leaves are equipped with almost even or slightly serrated edges. By the way, the leaves can be both filmy and leathery.
The yellow flowers of the flat-seed plant sit on the branches in small bunches, on average 1 - 4 pieces in each, however, sometimes these bunches can include eight flowers. And all these flowers boast a faint, but at the same time, a very pleasant smell!
The fruits of the flat-seed are in the form of juicy drupes, the diameter of which can vary from 1, 3 to 1, 8 cm. Inside each drupe there is one elliptical seed. By the way, the flat-seeded plant got its so interesting name precisely because of the peculiar shape of its bones - they are large, hard, compressed from the sides and boast the presence of a rather original grooved surface of light brown or yellow color. By the way, all kinds of decorative crafts are very often made from these seeds!
For the first time, the flat-seed was described in 1886 by the botanist Oliver, however, in those distant times, this plant had a completely different name - English plagiospermum. It was only in 1932 that the plant was assigned to the genus Princepia by academician V. Komarov (and the genus received this name in honor of James Prinsep, a famous American botanist).
Where grows
The Himalayas, Mongolia and China are considered to be the homeland of the flat-seed plant - it was only after a very long time that the plant was brought to America and Europe.
Usage
In culture, flat-seed is now quite rare, but this ornamental plant becomes surprisingly beautiful with the onset of autumn - leaves and fruits that have changed their color give it a marvelous color.
In cooking, flat-seed berries are actively used to prepare compotes - they turn out to be very rich, and their taste is somewhat reminiscent of the bright taste of cherry compotes. And in their raw form, these berries are also edible. Platosemen also found its application in folk medicine - it is a powerful tonic.
Growing and caring
It is recommended to plant a flat-seeded plant on well-drained and fertile, lime-rich soils (this beauties are calcephilous). This plant tolerates a slight drought and slight shading very well, but the flat-seed will still grow and bear fruit much better in areas well-lit by the sun.
The flat-seeded plant tolerates pruning and transplantation quite well, and this plant also boasts excellent winter hardiness. True, it is still better to cover young plants for the winter - when the weather is too cold, the tips of annual shoots can sometimes freeze slightly.
Reproduction of flat-seed is carried out by sowing freshly harvested seeds - it is usually carried out in the fall. Also, for the purpose of reproduction, green cuttings and layering are quite actively used. By the way, if a flat-seed is planted for the purpose of subsequent harvesting, then it is better to immediately plant at least two copies, and even better - four or even five!
The flat-seed is practically not affected by pests and diseases, and for this it is especially appreciated by many novice gardeners!
