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Description
Quercus Cornelius-Mulleri, also known as the Muller oak, is a medium-sized evergreen tree that belongs to the Fagaceae family. It is native to Mexico and is commonly found in the states of Oaxaca and Chiapas. This tree can grow up to 15 meters tall and has a dense, round crown. It has a straight trunk and smooth bark that is grayish-brown in color. The leaves of the Muller oak are leathery and glossy, and they have a unique shape that resembles a spatula.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Fagales |
| Family | Fagaceae |
| Genus | Quercus |
Appearance
The Muller oak has a distinctive appearance with its leathery, spatula-shaped leaves that are about 20 centimeters long and 5 centimeters wide. The leaves are dark green on top and lighter green underneath. The tree produces acorns that are about 2 centimeters long and have a cap that covers about 1/3 of the nut. The bark is smooth and grayish-brown in color. The Muller oak has a round, dense crown and a straight trunk that can grow up to 60 centimeters in diameter.
Care Guide
To care for a Muller oak, it is important to provide it with the right amount of water, fertilizer, and sunlight. The tree prefers well-drained soil that is acidic to neutral. It can tolerate a range of soil types, including clay, loam, and sand. The Muller oak should be watered deeply once a week during the growing season, and less frequently during the winter months. It is important not to overwater the tree, as this can cause root rot.The Muller oak does not require much fertilizer, but a slow-release fertilizer can be applied in the spring. The tree prefers full sun to partial shade and is hardy in USDA zones 9b to 11.
Common Pests & Diseases
The Muller oak is relatively pest and disease-free, but it can be susceptible to oak wilt, a fungal disease that can be deadly to the tree. Symptoms of oak wilt include wilting leaves, discoloration, and defoliation. To prevent oak wilt, avoid pruning the tree during the growing season and keep wounds on the tree to a minimum. The Muller oak can also be affected by aphids, spider mites, and scale insects, which can be treated with insecticidal soap or horticultural oil.
Habitat
The Muller oak is native to southern Mexico and is commonly found in the states of Oaxaca and Chiapas. It grows in a variety of habitats, including forests, woodlands, and savannas. The tree is evergreen and can tolerate a range of temperatures, from hot and dry to cool and wet.
Question and Answer
Q: Can I grow a Muller oak in a container?
A: No, the Muller oak is a large tree that requires ample space to grow. It is not recommended to grow this tree in a container.
Q: Does the Muller oak produce acorns every year?
A: No, the Muller oak is known to have irregular acorn production, with some years having a bountiful harvest and other years producing few to no acorns.
Q: Is the Muller oak drought-tolerant?
A: Yes, the Muller oak is somewhat drought-tolerant and can survive in hot and dry conditions. However, it is important to provide the tree with adequate water during the growing season.
Q: Is the Muller oak considered an invasive species?
A: No, the Muller oak is not considered an invasive species and is not known to cause harm to native plant communities.
Related Plants
- Quercus laurina
- Quercus agrifolia
- Quercus virginiana
- Quercus robur
References
- Dirr, M. A. (2009). Manual of woody landscape plants: Their identification, ornamental characteristics, culture, propagation and uses. Stipes Publishing.
- Nesom, G. L. (2011). Quercus cornelius-mulleri (Fagaceae), a new species from southern Mexico. Phytoneuron, 2011-51.
- The Morton Arboretum. (n.d.). Quercus cornelius-mulleri. Retrieved from https://www.mortonarb.org/trees-plants/tree-plant-descriptions/quercus-cornelius-mulleri
