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Description
Larix Potaninii, also known as Potanin’s Larch, is a deciduous conifer tree that belongs to the Pinaceae family. It is native to China and is commonly found in the mountainous regions of Sichuan, Gansu, and Qinghai. The tree can grow up to 30 meters tall with a trunk diameter of up to 1 meter. Its branches grow in a horizontal fashion, and its bark is grey-brown and scaly. Its needles are soft and blue-green in color, with a length of 2-5 cm.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Pinophyta |
| Class | Pinopsida |
| Order | Pinales |
| Family | Pinaceae |
| Genus | Larix |
Appearance
Larix Potaninii is a tall, slender tree with a conical shape. Its branches grow in a horizontal fashion, giving it a distinct appearance. Its needles are soft and blue-green in color, with a length of 2-5 cm. In the fall, the needles turn a bright yellow color before falling off. The tree produces cones that are 3-6 cm long and are greenish-purple in color before turning brown when mature.
Care Guide
Larix Potaninii requires well-drained soil that is moist but not waterlogged. It prefers full sun but can tolerate some shade. The tree is hardy in USDA zones 4-7. It should be watered regularly during its first year of growth to establish a strong root system. Fertilizer can be applied in the spring and fall, but care should be taken not to over-fertilize.
Common Pests & Diseases
Larix Potaninii is susceptible to a few common pests and diseases. The tree can be affected by Larch Casebearer, a small moth that feeds on the needles, causing them to turn brown and fall off. Other pests include aphids and spider mites. The tree can also be affected by cankers, a type of fungal infection that causes the bark to crack and ooze sap.
Habitat
Larix Potaninii is native to China and is commonly found in the mountainous regions of Sichuan, Gansu, and Qinghai. The tree prefers cool, moist climates and can be found at elevations of up to 4,000 meters. It is often found growing in mixed forests with other conifer species.
Question and Answer
Q: Can Larix Potaninii be grown in containers?
A: While it is possible to grow Larix Potaninii in containers, it is not recommended as it can grow quite tall and requires a lot of space for its roots to grow.
Q: How often should I water my Larix Potaninii?
A: During the first year of growth, the tree should be watered regularly to establish a strong root system. After that, it should be watered as needed to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged.
Q: What is the best time of year to fertilize my Larix Potaninii?
A: Fertilizer can be applied in the spring and fall, but care should be taken not to over-fertilize.
Q: How do I prevent cankers from affecting my Larix Potaninii?
A: To prevent cankers, make sure your tree is planted in well-drained soil and avoid injuring the bark of the tree.
Related Plants
- Larix decidua
- Larix kaempferi
- Larix laricina
- Larix occidentalis
References
- “Larix potaninii.” Missouri Botanical Garden. Accessed March 2021. https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=277638.
- “Larix potaninii.” Plants of the World Online. Accessed March 2021. http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:262117-1.
- “Larix potaninii.” The Gymnosperm Database. Accessed March 2021. https://www.conifers.org/pi/Larix_potaninii.php.
