Alnus Cremastogyne seed
LATIN NAME: ALNUS CREMASTOGYNE
COMMON NAME: Sichuan Alder
The Sichuan alder dangles the long, slender catkins from the bare branches in the early spring, the dark-green, toothed leaves following, and the small, woody cones that hold the seed through the winter. The tree grows fast into the tall, straight-trunked tree of the river valleys, the bark stays smooth and grey, and the whole plant carries the fresh, quick-growing look of the alders. The roots carry the nitrogen-fixing nodules that enrich the soil, and the tree settles readily on the moist, disturbed ground. It likes the sun, the moisture, and the deep, rich, well-drained soil.
Scientific Research & Plant Biotechnology
Among the nitrogen-fixing trees, the alders have a practical reputation, and the Sichuan alder keeps its place in the forestry studies. The research covers the root nodules and the ways the tree fixes the nitrogen, along with the growth on the poor, disturbed ground. The foresters plant the alders for the soil enrichment and the erosion control, the wood finds the light, quick uses, and the growers of the fast, useful trees keep the species in their lists.
Ecological & Economic Value & Wide Applications
The Sichuan alder is the tree that improves the ground as it grows. The nitrogen-fixing roots enrich the soil for the trees that follow, the wood serves the boxes, the matches and the light construction, and the fast growth gives the quick shade and the shelter. The catkins open early in the spring, feeding the bees, and the small cones feed the birds through the winter. Quick, generous and restorative in one.
The Sichuan alder seeds germinate readily in a fine, gritty mix kept moist and bright. The seedlings shoot up thick and fast, and they grow on with the toothed leaves. Prick them out into the nursery rows once they hold the second pair of true leaves, and give them the sun and the moist, open ground. They transplant well, and the roots settle into the soil improvement from the start. The catkins come within the few years, and the tree grows fast.
To grow the Sichuan alder from seed, sow the tiny, winged seeds barely over the surface of the seed tray of fine, gritty mix, keep the tray in the bright, moist spot and mist gently. The seedlings shoot up within a couple of weeks, and they grow on fast. Stand the young trees in the moist, open ground, and the fresh crown will dangle its catkins each spring.