Shrub with the unpleasant name of the warty spindle tree, a plant quite popular in Europe and Asia. Due to its uniqueness, it stands out among other shrubs of its kind.
What species and family belongs to the euonymus?
Translated from the Latin language, Euonymus, or warty spindle tree, means "low shrub." It belongs to the genus and belongs to the Bereskletov family. The main feature is its low size and lush foliage. However, experienced gardeners will not be difficult to distinguish it by the following parameters:
- an abundant number of small buds on the stem, more reminiscent of warts;
- the smell of inflorescences resembles a rat smell;
- small black heads hang from the fruits of plants, inside of which there are seeds with orange contents;
- unlike other shrubs, it is sort of different with a large number of red earrings.
Warty euonymus
Important! There are more than two hundred different species of such shrubs in the world, however, a warty spindle tree is widely used in the southern part of China and Russia. The officially recorded maximum height of the bush varies from 3 to 4 meters.
The healing properties of the plant
In the European part of Russia, with the help of this shrub, they struggle with many different diseases. The main therapeutic property that euonymus possesses is a positive effect on the heart muscle and the functioning of the cardiovascular system. With regular use, the digestive tract normalizes and pressure stabilizes. The main part of useful microelements is contained in the bark of the plant, which can be applied to raw or dry form. According to popular advice, the bark of the bush effectively fights against diseases:
- of cardio-vascular system;
- with hypertensive crisis;
- skin diseases;
- the prostate;
- with headaches and migraines.
The history of this plant is covered in many mysteries. There are more than 5 legends associated with the spindle tree bush, but the story of the offended witch is considered the most common. Deciding to take revenge on her enemies, she grew a bush of spindle tree, which was poisoned by poison. However, after the offenders got what they deserved, the sorceress decided to change her anger to mercy. At that very moment, the fruits became healing, and the sorceress turned into a bird and flew away, bearing the fruits all over the world.
Therapeutic fruits of euonymus
Features of plant care
Despite its healing properties, most of the warty euonymus belongs to the class of poisonous. However, due to its resistance to the gassed atmosphere and cold resistance, this plant fits perfectly into the roadside landscape. Shrubs can tolerate extreme temperature changes from +30 heat to -20 frost. They are characterized by unpretentiousness in care, although they have some requirements for content.
- for the decorative species of this plant, planting in open ground should be carried out either in early spring or late autumn. A young seedling is best established in shaded areas;
Note! The marshland is unacceptable for planting this shrub.
- planting should be carried out at the root level and not go down to the ground further than 60 centimeters. In order for the roots to feed on oxygen, it is necessary to pour small stones into the hole, then sprinkle with mineral fertilizer and only then fill it with earth. Throughout the week, it is necessary to actively moisten the soil, preventing drying;
- a seedling that has taken root does not need frequent watering. Strong moistening of the root system leads to a number of diseases and decay. But with feeding it is just the opposite. The plant is very fond of mineral soil rich in nitrogen-containing elements. During spring and autumn, the culture must be fed at least 6 times.
Reproduction of a warty euonymus
The euonymus plant multiplies perfectly with proper care, but can also die quickly. There are several ways to reproduce:
- seed shoots;
- cuttings;
- division into small bushes;
- layering.
Reproduction by dividing into bushes is applicable only for certain varieties of euonymus. The easiest way, but not always effective, is to grow seeds. The landing procedure is carried out in late autumn.
Reproduction by layering is effective, but rather laborious. It is necessary to separate the grooves from the largest bush, then bend the shoots, which grow as low as possible to the ground, into these grooves, and fill them with soil. After a certain interval, they will shoot.
Propagation by cuttings of euonymus is the simplest and most effective means. For him, it is only necessary to cut the shoots, process them and plant them in the soil.
Cuttings
Warty euonymus as propagated: a description of the method by cuttings
Eucalyptus both to propagate and grow is not difficult. For the cuttings, the undersized Fortune and the Winged Alatus are excellent. Categorically should not be propagated in this way Cork and Broadleaf varieties. After choosing a bush from which the cuttings will be made, it is necessary to fulfill the following requirements:
- you need to choose a bush older than 5 years. Then you need to cut off the tops of the shoots. The length of the handle should not exceed 5-9 centimeters. It should have at least 2-3 internodes;
Important! Cutting angle of the handle should be no more than 45 degrees.
- each cut twig must be carefully treated with charcoal so that the root sphere is actively developing. Rooting is best done in specialized peat pots;
- after the cuttings are prepared, you can proceed to planting in open ground. For better growth, sand or peat soil is suitable. After planting, it is better to cover the cuttings with a plastic bag so that the temperature does not drop below room temperature during the day. After 2 months, leaves should form on the shoots and the root structure should be strengthened. These factors indicate the successful process of completing the cuttings.
Note! It is better to carry out this type of reproduction in June or July; grafting at home is impossible.
The period of flowering euonymus and description of the fruit
Garden inflorescences begin to bloom actively in the summer, not earlier than June. Fruits on the bush appear quite rarely. Flowering of wild plants can continue throughout the summer.
The fruits of the warty euonymus consist of 6 inflorescences that are located throughout the stem. Petals have a round, rarely elongated shape. The fruit consists of a small spherical capsule in which there are 5-6 seeds.
Diseases and Pests
There are not so many diseases and pests that can bother representatives of this species. All thanks to the unpretentiousness and cold resistance of the plant. However, with excessive cooling and humidity, the following pests and diseases may appear:
- if white plaque is visible on the leaves, then you should begin to fight powdery mildew;
- if the plant grows in a dark place, then the leaves may begin to lose brightness;
- baldness in the lower part of the stem, drying out of the ends of the leaves may indicate insufficient moisture or too dry climate;
- The main problem of gardeners is root rot. Its appearance indicates excessive moisture in the soil or lack of drainage. It is necessary to reduce watering and start loosening the soil once a week;
- insects that like to eat a spindle tree are a mealy worm and a spider mite. Pests begin to eat the plant from the lower tiers;
- holes on the leaves indicate the appearance of aphids. Immediately it is worth treating the plant with drugs.
Thus, the warty euonymus is an unpretentious plant that cares well and fits perfectly into the landscape and design of a garden plot or summer cottage. The variety of varietal species allows you to grow euonymus in various weather conditions.