Macromeles tschonoskii

Macromeles tschonoskii is a rare plant from the family of rose plants (Rosaceae). This species is native to Japan. Macromeles tschonoskii is little known due to its specific ecological requirements and its limited distribution area, but plays an important role in the ecosystems in which he appears.

Taxonomy and systematics

Macromeles tschonoskii belongs to the genus Macomeles, which is closely related to the genus Sorbus. The exact taxonomic classification of macromeles has been discussed in the past, since the demarcation to other genera within the Rosaceae family is difficult. Some botanists even assign Macromeles tschonoskii to the genus Sorbus, but the morphological differences justify a separate genus. The name "tschonoskii" honors the Russian botanist Chonoski, who made an important contribution to researching the Flora of East Asia.

Morphology

Macromeles tschonoskii is a small to medium -sized deciduous tree or shrub that can reach a height of 5 to 10 meters. The crown is wide and irregular, which gives the tree a natural, wild appearance. The bark is dark brown to gray and can have cracks and scales in older specimens.

The leaves are simple, changeable and egg -shaped to lanceolate, with a length of 5 to 12 centimeters. They have a finely serrated edge and are dark green and shiny on the top, while the underside is brighter and has a fine hair. In autumn, the leaves turn brightly to orange, which gives the tree a high decorative value.

The flowers of Macromeles tschonoskii appear in late spring, mostly in May. They are white to cream color and stand together in dense, upright umbels. Each flower has a diameter of about 1 to 1.5 centimeters and consists of five petals. The flowers are hermaphrodite and attract a variety of pollinators, especially bees and flies.

The fruits are small, apple -shaped berries with a diameter of about 1 to 2 centimeters. They are colored in ripe red to orange and contain several small seeds. The pulp is firm and has a sour to slightly bitter taste. The fruits are edible, but usually not suitable for direct consumption; They are more used in the production of jams or as decorative fruits.

Distribution and habitat

Macromeles tschonoskii is located in the mountain regions of Japan. The species grows in moderate forests, often in higher locations from 500 to 1,800 meters above sea level. It prefers well permeable, humus -rich soils and thrives in partially shady to shady locations. In Japan, the species is particularly common in the Honshu and Shikoku regions.

The tree is adapted to cold winter and moderate summer, which makes it a robust species that can survive even under extreme climatic conditions. Despite her adaptability, Macromeles tschonoskii is relatively rare in her natural habitat, which is due to the destruction of forests and the fragmentation of habitats.

Ecology and reproduction

From an ecological point of view, Macromeles tschonoskii plays an important role as part of the forest flora in East Asia. The flowers offer a valuable source of food for pollinators in spring, while the fruits are consumed by birds and small mammals in autumn and winter. These animals contribute to spreading seeds and thus ensure the continued existence of the species in their natural habitat.

The reproduction is mainly through seeds that germinate in the ground after the spread. Macromeles tschonoskii seeds need a cold period to successfully germinate, which is an adaptation to the climatic conditions in the mountain regions. Vegetative propagation, for example through root sprouts, is rare, but can be used in cultivation to genetically identical offspring.

Meaning and use

Despite its rarity, Macromeles tschonoskii has a certain importance in landscape design and nature conservation. Due to its decorative flowers and attractive autumn coloring, the species is occasionally used as an ornamental tree in gardens and parks. In Japan it is planted in some traditional gardens, where it is valued for its adaptability and aesthetic value.

In addition, Macromeles tschonoskii could play an important role in the preservation of biological diversity. The species offers habitat and food for a variety of animals and contributes to the stability of the ecosystems in which it occurs. In the breeding of fruit trees, however, the species is hardly used, which is due to its limited fruit size and the acidic taste of the fruits.