Raisin tree
| Hovenia dulcis {{{latin_name}}}
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Raisin tree, Japanese Raisin tree
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Adaptation: The northern limits for winter survival and fruit ripening of the tree has not been fully determined. It is cold-hardy to about -10° F, and fruits ripen in eastern North America at least as far north as southern New York. There is a 28-year old specimen in the Asian section of the Los Angeles County Arboretum and another specimen at nearby Huntington Gardens. Raisin tree plants are not particularly suitable for container culture.
Growth Habit: The raisin tree is deciduous and can grow to a height of 70 feet or more, but cultivated specimens typically reach a height of about 30 feet with a singular trunk and a rounded head. The lower branches frequently drop off leaving a fairly high crotch. Growth rate is moderate, perhaps a foot or two per year, more when young and less when old. Raisin trees are particularly handsome when planted in groups. The deeply fissured bark is counterpointed by gently undulating branches and overlapping leaves
Foliage: The cordate, glossy green leaves are borne alternately. They are a large (up to six inches in length), rather limp leaf which must be spread out to see its shape.
Flowers: Racemes of small self-fruitful flowers bloom in late spring. They are cream colored and compensate for their small size by being clustered together in great masses. Where summers are cool, bloom may be delayed even until the end of summer with the result that fruit does not form or ripen.
Fruit: The edible "raisins" are not a fruit at all but a short, swollen mature flower stalk or peduncle which supports the inedible seed pod. As the pod matures, the peduncle of stem attaching it to the cluster swells, becomes knobby and turns a translucent reddish brown. A pear-like flavor develops as the sugars increase, and the peduncle is ready to eat when it falls to the ground. Although the edible portions are small, close to the size of a raisin, the crop is copious. The brown pod which is actually the fruit is not used.
Cultivation
Location: Although native to partially shaded sites, full sun helps hasten flowering and ripening. When placed in a southwest corner, the tree provides summer shade and allows winter sun to pass through the bare limbs.
Soil: The raisin tree tolerates a wide range of soil conditions and thrives in sandy loam.
Irrigation: Although somewhat tolerant of drought, raisin trees do best with a regular supply of moisture.
Fertilization: Little is known about the fertilization needs of the tree, but a light to moderate fertilizing in mid-spring is probably useful.
Pruning: The tree tends to prune itself, dropping the lower branches as the tree grows.
Propagation
The seeds have an impermeable seed coat that severely inhibits germination. Several methods have been employed to get around the problem. The seed coat can be scarified by nicking it with a file, or soaking the seed in concentrated sulfuric acid for two hours. Wash the seed thoroughly with water following the acid soak. The seed can also be soaked in hot tap water (approximately 140° F) for three consecutive days. Others have had some luck with freezing the seed. After treatment, the seed are planted in potting soil, covered with clear plastic wrap and placed in bright light. Seeds should germinate within a week to a month or more. Plants grown from seed usually bear fruit within 7 - 10 years, though bearing within 3 years is possible under good conditions
The plant can also be propagated by softwood cuttings taken in late summer, and by root cuttings. Little work has been done in the area of grafting.
Pests and diseases
Raisin trees are apparently free of any significant pests and diseases. Deer will probably browse the foliage, but the roots do not seem to be attractive to gophers.
Cultivars
There are no known raisin tree cultivars.
Gallery
If you have a photo of this plant, please upload it! Plus, there may be other photos available for you to add.
Image from Flora Japonica
by Philipp Franz von Siebold and Joseph Gerhard Zuccarini
Ripe drupes of Hovenia dulcis attached to edible fleshy fruit stalks
References
External links
- w:Raisin tree. Some of the material on this page may be from Wikipedia, under the Creative Commons license.
- Raisin tree QR Code (Size 50, 100, 200, 500)
