2024 Author: Gavin MacAdam | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 13:38
Sequoiadendron - a genus of trees of the Cypress family, previously the genus was reckoned to the Taxodia family. The genus includes only one species - the giant sequoiadendron, or the Mammoth tree (lat. Sequoiadendron giganteum). The plant was originally named Wellingtonia after the English Duke of Wellington, but was later renamed Sequoiadendron. Today, majestic trees can be found on the territory of many European countries, including Germany, Holland, Switzerland, Poland, etc. In Russia, sequoiadendron is rare, mainly on the Black Sea coast.
Characteristics of culture
Sequoiadendron is a tall, powerful tree up to 100 m high with a trunk reaching 7-12 m in diameter. Today, representatives of the genus are considered the largest plants on Earth. Age ranges from 3000 to 3500 years. Some scientists claim that plants can develop normally up to 6,000 years.
Sequoiadendron has a beautiful dark green pyramidal crown that forms at the very surface of the soil. The bark of the trunk and old branches is reddish in color, the needles are scaly, the cones are single, covered with flat thyroid scales arranged in a spiral. Over time, the crown of trees loses its regular shape, and the trunk becomes bare and grows in size.
Sequoiadendron wood has a light red heart, medium hardness and good mechanical properties. Resins and oils found in plants exclude rotting, as well as the attack of insects, including termites. The wood is ideal for all kinds of construction work. Previously, shingles, fences, containers for storing fruits were made from it. Currently, the sequoiadendron is under protection as it is an endangered species. And now it is practically not used for economic purposes.
The largest trees today have their own names, for example, "Giant Grizzly" (height 65 m, trunk diameter 9 m, age 2700 years), "Father of the Forests", "General Grant", "General Sherman". Surprisingly, up to 50 people can fit on the cut of one tree, recognized as a nature reserve. In some countries, sequoiadendrons grow, in the lower part of the trunks of which tunnels are made through which cars can freely move. Another no less important fact - the timber of the culture can boast of fire resistance, they can survive even severe fires, but black "scars" remain on the trunks.
The subtleties of cultivation and reproduction
Despite the fact that sequoiadendrons are highly decorative plants, they are rarely used in landscape design. That is why the rules for growing and caring for crops have not yet been developed. When cultivating sequoiadendrons, one should be based on the agricultural technology of conifers, it is the closest. So, sequoiadendrons are thermophilic and hygrophilous. The optimum temperature in the summer is 25-29C. Soils are preferably well-drained, moderately moist, sandy, loamy, granite residual or alluvial soils with a pH of 5, 5-7, 5.
Sequoiadendrons are propagated by seeds and cuttings. The first method is the most effective and common among gardeners. Sowing is done in April-May. Seeds do not need preliminary preparation, but soaking them in warm water for 24-48 hours is not prohibited (soil germination in this case will increase to 2%). By September-October, seedlings reach a height of up to 10 cm.
Saplings are planted in the spring. Planting pits, as for all coniferous crops, are prepared at least 2-3 weeks in advance. Heavy soils need drainage. Pebbles, broken brick or gravel can be used as drainage. A drainage layer of at least 20 cm. Having lowered the seedling into the hole, the voids are filled with a mixture consisting of leaf and turf soil, sand and clay. The introduction of mineral and organic fertilizers is encouraged.
The root collar is positioned at the level of the soil surface. After planting, abundant watering is carried out. In the future, care comes down to systematic watering, loosening the near-trunk circle and preventive treatment against pests and diseases. Young plants need shelter for the winter, as they are often affected by frost.
