Maclura orange
Orange Maclura (lat. Maclura pomifera) is a species of highly ornamental and fruit trees of the Mulberry family. Other names are apple maclura or inedible orange.
The plant’s homeland is considered to be the southeastern part of the United States. Nowadays, orange maclura is cultivated in the Caucasus, Crimea and Central Asia, including Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan. In Russia, maklura is grown in the Stavropol and Krasnodar territories.
Characteristics of the crop Representatives of the species are deciduous trees up to 20 m high with numerous twisted shoots. The crown is dense and spreading. The trunk is slender, covered with fissured dark brown bark. The branches are strongly curved, equipped with thorns; thornless forms also exist. Spines up to 2. 5 cm long, located in the axils of the leaves. The leaves are dark green, entire, ovate, up to 12 cm long. With the onset of autumn, the foliage acquires a golden color.
The flowers are small, greenish, pistillate flowers are collected in spherical capitate inflorescences, staminate flowers – in catkins. The fruits are round, wrinkled, yellowish-green or orange, up to 15 cm in diameter. The shape of the fruits is similar to that of an orange. The fruits are inedible, have a long shelf life, and release milky juice when cut. Large maclura seeds are edible. Orange Maclura is characterized by fast growth, salt tolerance, wind resistance and drought resistance.
Growing conditions
Maclyura has a positive attitude towards light, but light shading will not harm her. The plants tolerate city conditions well, so they are suitable for growing in gardens and parks, as well as on roadsides. Orange mackerel has a negative attitude towards frost; mature trees can withstand short-term frosts. Otherwise, the plants are unpretentious, including soil conditions. Maclure and cold winds are not scary.
Reproduction
Maclura is propagated by seeds, cuttings, root suckers and layering. The seed method is the simplest. It is advisable to sow in the fall, since vigorous shoots can only be obtained by using fresh planting material. Before sowing, the seeds extracted from the fruit are soaked in warm water for 12 hours. Sowing is done in nutrient soil. When two true leaves appear on the seedlings, they are transplanted into separate pots with the same soil. The crop is propagated by cuttings and root suckers in early spring.
Caring for Maclura is quite simple and can be accomplished even by a novice gardener. Regular watering is necessary, as the area around the trunk dries out. Timely loosening and weed removal are essential. Maclura requires formative pruning, which is performed every 2-3 years. Sanitary and thinning pruning are performed annually.
Uses
Maclura has highly ornamental properties and is promising for both ornamental gardening and commercial use. It is used in single and group plantings, hedges, and for creating shelterbelts. Various medicinal preparations for stimulating cardiac activity and ointments used to treat rheumatic diseases and promote wound healing are made from the fruits of the orange-colored Maclura. Its wood is used to make furniture, sporting bows, and hunting bows.
