Looking to add some excitement to your garden? Try plating a tree with thorns! This article will explore everything you need to know about fruit trees with thorns.
There is a misconception that all fruit trees are sweet and docile. In reality, there are plenty of fruit trees that have thorns. These trees can be found in many parts of the world, and they come with their own unique set of characteristics.
In this article, we will explore the fundamentals of fruit trees with thorns and their characteristics. We will also look at some popular trees in this category and provide a care guide for the same.
Fruit Trees with Thorns and their Characteristics
Fruit trees with thorns generally have a bad reputation. This is because they are often associated with being dangerous and difficult to take care of. However, the presence of thorns on a fruit tree does not necessarily mean that it is unsafe or difficult to maintain. Essentially, they are there for protection of the plant itself and have many other benefits.
- Fruit trees with thorns usually have them on the branches or trunk. They can vary in size and shape, but they all serve the same purpose – to deter animals from eating the fruit or damaging the tree.
- The thorns on these trees can be sharp and painful, so it is important to be careful when handling them. In some cases, the thorns can be poisonous.
- Fruit trees with thorns are generally more resilient to pests and diseases. This is because the thorns act as a natural barrier against these problems. As a result, these trees require less use of pesticides and other chemicals.
- These trees are also known to produce higher-quality fruits as the thorns protect the fruit from being eaten by animals or insects. Due to this, the fruit is allowed to ripen fully and develop a richer flavor.
- Such trees tend to be more drought-resistant because the thorns help to reduce evaporation from the leaves. As a result, these trees are better able to withstand periods of drought.
- Their flowers are usually more resistant to damage from the wind and rain. Plus, they are very beautiful and have a sweet fragrance.
- The thorns also help to protect the tree's roots from being exposed to the sun and heat. This means that they require less water than other types of fruit trees.
Popular Fruit Trees with Thorns
Now that you have got a better understanding of fruit trees with thorns and their characteristics, let's take a look at some of the most popular types of these trees.
Wild Apple Trees
Scientific name: Malus sylvestris
Coming from the rose family, the wild apple tree is a deciduous tree that can grow up to 5 to 12 m (16' to 39') tall. It has white or pink and red flowers and small, sour fruits. The tree is known for its thorns which are about 5.8 (2"). Wild apple is native to the mountains of Central Asia in southern Kazakhstan. It is a very popular ornamental tree in gardens and parks.
Lemon Fruit Trees
Scientific name: Citrus limon
The lemon tree is a small evergreen tree native to Asia, predominantly Northeast India. This tree belongs to the flowering plant family Rutaceae. It can grow up to about 6 m (20') tall and has fragrant white flowers. The lemon fruits are oval in shape and have a sour and acidic taste. The lemon tree requires full sun and well-drained soil to grow.
Pomegranate Trees
Scientific name: Punica granatum
Pomegranate trees are beautiful deciduous shrubs or small trees which grow best in a warm climate. The shrubs grow about 1 m (3'), whereas the height of the tree ranges between 6 to 9 m (20' to 30'). They produce beautiful red flowers which bloom in the spring. The fruits of this tree are round and have a hard outer shell with juicy seeds inside. Pomegranates are native to the countries in the Middle East, such as Iran, India, and Afghanistan.
Orange Fruit Tree
Scientific name: Citrus sinensis
The orange fruit tree is a small to medium-sized evergreen tree that belongs to the Citrus family. It is native to Asia and is easy to take care of if the right conditions are provided. The dwarf orange varieties reach up to about 3.6 m (12'), and the trees touch the height of 9 m (30'). This tree requires loamy, well-drained soil and thrives in bright sunlight. Be careful if you plant these as they are poisons to pets.
Honey Locust Trees
Scientific name: Gleditsia triacanthos
Honey locust, commonly known as thorny locust or thorny honey locust, hails from the Fabaceae family and is a deciduous tree. While its native area is Central North America, it is an invasive species spread all across the globe. This unique tree is highly adaptable and is typically found in the river valleys as it prefers moist soil. The Honey locust grows fast and can grow about 20 to 30 m (65' to 100'), and they can live up to 120 years.
Wild Plum Trees
Scientific name: Prunus americana
The wild plum tree is a member of the rose family and is closely related to the almond tree. It is a deciduous tree that can grow up to about 4.6 m (15') tall. The wild plum tree has white or pink flowers and small, sour fruits. The tree is known for its thorns which are about 0.64 cm (0.25") long. The wild plum can survive in cold temperatures but lacks tolerance against shade or drought.
Wild Pear Trees
Scientific name: Pyrus pyraster
Wild pear is a deciduous tree with thorns on the branches and oval leaves with serrated margins. Commonly called European wild pear, it is a part of the Rosaceae family. Wild pear is native to Europe, North Africa, and Asia. The medium-sized shrub reaches 3 to 4 m (9.8 to 13.1 ft), while a tree grows about 15 to 20 m (49 to 66 ft). It produces white flowers which bloom in the spring and dark yellow fruits which ripen in the fall. Plus, this tree can live up to 100 to 150 years.
How to Care for Fruit Trees with Thorns
Fruit trees with thorns require very little maintenance. However, there are some points that you should keep in mind to ensure that they remain healthy and continue to produce high-quality fruit.
Water Needs
One of the most important things to remember is to water these trees regularly. They require less water than other types of fruit trees, but they still need a consistent supply of moisture to stay healthy. This is especially vital during periods of drought.
Pruning
Another important aspect of care is pruning. You should prune fruit trees with thorns regularly to remove any dead or damaged branches. This will help to encourage new growth and keep the tree healthy. It is also important to prune these trees to prevent them from becoming too large.
Soil Needs
Fruit trees with thorns prefer well-drained soil. This will help to prevent waterlogging and keep the roots from rotting. The soil should also be high in organic matter to provide the tree with the nutrients it needs.
Fertilizer Needs
These trees do not require a lot of fertilizer. However, you may need to fertilize them periodically to ensure that they are getting the nutrients they need. A general-purpose fertilizer or a fruit tree fertilizer will work well.
Pests and Diseases
As we mentioned before, fruit trees with thorns are generally more resilient to pests and diseases. However, you should still check them regularly for any signs of problems. If you notice anything unusual, be sure to contact a professional for help.
With proper care, fruit trees with thorns can thrive and produce high-quality fruits for many years. By following the tips in this guide, you can ensure that your tree remains healthy and continues to produce delicious fruits.
