2024 Author: Gavin MacAdam | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 13:38
Phellodendron (lat. Phellodendron) - shade-tolerant woody plant from the Rute family. Its other name is velvet.
Description
Phellodendron is a dioecious deciduous tree, endowed with a wide-oval and amazingly beautiful semi-open crown. However, its velvety bark also boasts a very high decorative effect! In young plants, the bark usually has a light gray (sometimes even silvery) color, and in adult specimens it gradually darkens, gradually turning into dark brown tones. The bark of this plant is formed by two layers: the cork velvety outer layer can reach five centimeters in width, and the bast inner layer boasts a pleasant-looking amber-yellow color and a specific aroma.
As for the young branches of phellodendron, they are usually painted in light gray or dark purple tones. And the large odd-pinnate opposite leaves of this plant exude a very specific aroma. Oily leaf blades are equipped with finely toothed edges, and on each leaf you can see from seven to eleven small leaves. Glossy and bare upper sides of the leaves usually have a rich dark green color, and the undersides of these same leaves will be slightly lighter, while sometimes characteristic pubescence can be seen along their central veins. Under favorable conditions, the height of a phellodendron can reach twenty-five meters, and the diameter of its trunks can reach 1, 2 m. The total life of this plant can reach three hundred years!
You can admire the flowering of phellodendron in July, and the ripening of its fruits usually occurs in the second half of September or at the very beginning of October. True, only adult specimens are capable of blooming and bearing fruit, as a rule, those that have already reached the age of twenty. Moreover, one part of the trees blooms every year, and the other - once every few years.
In total, the phellodendron genus has about ten species.
Where grows
The main place of growth of phellodendron is considered to be East Asia. Especially often it can be seen in mixed coniferous-deciduous forests, as well as on the slopes of hills and not too high mountains.
Usage
Phellodendron is quite actively used in landscaping, and Amur phellodendron is planted especially often for this purpose. This plant is very widespread in both garden and park culture in America and Europe.
Also, the outer cork layer of phellodendron is very actively used in industry. The bark, leaves, flowers and inedible fruits of this stately handsome looking like black drupes have found their application in folk medicine. And this plant is also an excellent honey plant: phellodendron honey has a characteristic greenish tint, has a very delicate and delicate taste, and also boasts a huge number of useful properties.
Growing and caring
Fellodendron is very light-loving, so it should be planted only in open and well-lit areas. It is also quite picky about soils - the most suitable for its cultivation are neutral and nutritious garden soils, characterized by good air permeability and moisture. Slightly acidic soils are also quite acceptable. But this plant can boast of a very impressive drought tolerance! However, phellodendron is watered more than three times a week - it needs constant soil moisture. In general, this handsome man is very unpretentious in leaving. And the reproduction of phellodendron is carried out mainly by root shoots or seeds.
