Pterocarya

The genus Lapina, or Pterocarya, includes about 10 species. These are deciduous spreading trees, most of them grow quickly, reaching a height of 20-25 m. The crown is openwork, the leaves are alternate, non-pinnate. The flowers are collected in catkins, the fruit is a drupe. Undoubtedly, Pterocarya fraxinifolia (Pterocarya fraxinifolia) is the most widespread of all these species. It often has several bundles of sinuous branches from the base of the trunk, the bark is grayish-brown, in furrows. The leaves are very long (up to 60 cm), complex, and consist of 9-25 lanceolate leaflets with a fine-serrated edge, bright green on the upper side, near the veins and on the lower side of the leaf plate - lighter and slightly pubescent. Collected in drooping inflorescences-catkins ("cats"), same-sex flowers are formed on one plant. Male flowers are green. Women's - usually more than long - green with reddish-brown specks. They bloom from April to May. Coplodia, also drooping, of a light brown hue. The common form is 'Shrub' - a shrub with smaller leaves. Other types are known and used much less. For example, rhoifolia lapina (P. rhoifolia) is a plant whose leaves are shorter than those of ash-leaved Lapina, they consist of 11-21 leaflets. Chinese Lapina (P. stenoptera, or P. sinensis) is a plant whose leaves have a characteristic winged rod (the axis on which the leaves are held). From the crossing of ash-leaved Lapina and Chinese Lapina, a hybrid of Raeder's Lapina (Pterocarya x rehderiana) was obtained. The leaves and bark of Lapina contain tannins and coloring agents. The wood of this tree is used for making furniture "under the walnut".

The genus Lapina, or Pterocarya, includes about 10 species. These are deciduous spreading trees, most of them grow quickly, reaching a height of 20-25 m. The crown is openwork, the leaves are alternate, non-pinnate. The flowers are collected in catkins, the fruit is a drupe.

Undoubtedly, Pterocarya fraxinifolia (Pterocarya fraxinifolia) is the most widespread of all these species. It often has several bundles of sinuous branches from the base of the trunk, the bark is grayish-brown, in furrows. The leaves are very long (up to 60 cm), complex, and consist of 9-25 lanceolate leaflets with a fine-serrated edge, bright green on the upper side, near the veins and on the lower side of the leaf plate - lighter and slightly pubescent. Collected in drooping inflorescences-catkins ("cats"), same-sex flowers are formed on one plant. Male flowers are green. Women's - usually more than long - green with reddish-brown specks. They bloom from April to May. Coplodia, also drooping, of a light brown hue. The common form is 'Shrub' - a shrub with smaller leaves.

Other types are known and used much less. For example, rhoifolia lapina (P. rhoifolia) is a plant whose leaves are shorter than those of ash-leaved Lapina, they consist of 11-21 leaflets.

Chinese Lapina (P. stenoptera, or P. sinensis) is a plant whose leaves have a characteristic winged rod (the axis on which the leaves are held).

From the crossing of ash-leaved Lapina and Chinese Lapina, a hybrid of Raeder's Lapina (Pterocarya x rehderiana) was obtained. The leaves and bark of Lapina contain tannins and coloring agents. The wood of this tree is used for making furniture "under the walnut".

Cultivation

Lapina as an ornamental plant is widely cultivated in the temperate zone, grown in the open ground in parks and gardens in single and small group plantings. Due to their good survival rate in moist soil, they are often planted near reservoirs with standing or running water. Resistance to environmental pollution conditions allows the use of Lapina in planting on city streets. Plant in a permanent place in the fall or spring (if the winters are cold). Various types of soil are suitable, preferably fertile, moistened, and fertilized with organic materials at the rate of 4-5 kg per plant. In the period from May to August, once every 20-30 days (this applies only to young plantings), a complex fertilizer is added to the water for irrigation at the rate of 30 g per plant. Since the sprawling shape of the crown is extremely beautiful and without pruning, they are limited to removing dry and damaged branches.

Location

Plants of the genus Lapina require a place in the open sun.

Temperature

Lapina is a heat-loving culture.

Watering

These plants love moisture and therefore grow best near a variety of water bodies, they need to constantly maintain humidity at a certain level. Watering may be necessary during periods of drought, especially for young plants.

Reproduction

It is very simple to use the growth that has formed roots, which has formed in large quantities around the trunk. It is separated from the parent plant in autumn or late winter and immediately planted in a permanent place in the ground. Multiplication by layers and sowing seeds is used less often.

Diseases

In general, plants of the genus Lapina are quite resistant to damage by insects and diseases. Sometimes there are spots on the leaves caused by fungi, but usually it is enough to remove the damaged parts of the plant or treat it with a special fungicide.

Acquisition

Ash-leaved Lapina is quite easy to find in nurseries and specialized gardening centers. Due to its rapid growth, it is recommended to purchase small seedlings, they are easier to plant in the ground.