Cotoneaster Integerrimus - ordinary dwarf misde

Cotoneaster Integerrimus, also known as the ordinary dwarf mispel or full -edged dwarf mispel, is a shrub -like plant from the family of rose plants (rosaceae). This plant is widespread in Europe and Asia and is known for its robust properties and its versatile use in landscape design. Cotoneaster Integerrimus also plays an important role in the natural ecosystems in which it appears.

morphology

Cotoneaster Integerrimus is a deciduous shrub that reaches a height of 0.5 to 2 meters. The growth is upright to expansive, with numerous branched stems. The bark is initially smooth and reddish-brown, but becomes gray-brown and slightly cracked in old age.

The leaves are egg -shaped to elliptical, 2 to 5 centimeters long and 1 to 2 centimeters wide. They have a dark green top and a gray -green, slightly hairy underside. The leaf edges are full -marginally, which gives the species their name. In autumn, the leaves accept an attractive red to orange color before falling off.

The flowers of Cotoneaster Integerrimus are small, white to pink and appear in dense, terminal umbels from May to June. Each flower has five petals and measures about 1 centimeter in diameter. After the pollination, small, spherical fruits develop that are initially green and take on a bright red color in late summer. These fruits often remain on the branches until the winter and offer an important source of food for birds.

Distribution and Habitat

Cotoneaster Integerrimus is at home in the temperate zones of Europe and Asia. The plant prefers sunny to partially shaded locations and grows in a variety of habitats, including dry slopes, forest edges, rocky floors and bush landscapes. It thrives on well -permeable, calcareous soils and shows a high tolerance to dryness and wind. This adaptability enables her to survive and spread in different environments.

Ecological meaning

Cotoneaster Integerrimus plays an important role in the ecosystems in which it occurs. Due to its dense growth form, the plant contributes to soil stabilization and prevents erosion. The flowers offer nectar and pollen for a variety of insects, including bees and butterflies that are of crucial importance for the pollination of many plant species.

The fruits of Cotoneaster Integerrimus are an important source of food for birds that contribute to spreading the seeds by eating the fruits and spreading the seeds over their feces. This ecological interaction supports the regeneration and spread of the plant in its natural habitat.

Use and economic importance

Cotoneaster Integerrimus has gained importance in gardening and landscaping due to its attractive flowers, bright autumn colors and decorative fruits. The plant is often used as an ornamental shrub in gardens, parks and public green areas. It is well suited as a hedge plant, ground cover or for planting embankments and hanging, where it contributes to erosion control.

In traditional medicine, some types of the genus Cotoneaster are occasionally used, although Cotoneaster Integerrimus itself has no widespread medical use. However, the fruits and leaves of some related species are used in folk medicine to treat various symptoms.

Research and maintenance

Research on Cotoneaster Integerrimus focuses on their ecological interactions, their adaptation mechanisms on different environmental conditions and their genetic diversity within and between populations. Studies also investigate the potential invasive properties of the plant, since some Cotoneasterr species in certain regions are considered invasive species and can displace locals.

Conservation measures for Cotoneaster Integerrimus include the protection of their natural habitats and the promotion of their cultivation in suitable areas. By preserving natural habitats and the control of invasive species, the plant can continue to thrive and fulfill its ecological functions. The plant is also cultivated in botanical gardens and protected areas to preserve its genetic diversity and to inform the public about its importance.