Today we are going to talk about a type of plant native to all the lands that extend from southern Europe to the western part of the Asian continent. It’s about the Paliurus Spina-christi. It is a plant that belongs to the Rhamnaceae branch family and is known by the common name of Christ’s thorn. It usually has several uses and has spread thanks to its properties. It receives this common name because it is thought that the crown of thorns that Christ had on his way to the cross was made with this plant.
Therefore, we are going to dedicate this article to tell you all the characteristics, care and uses of the Paliurus Spina-christi.
Key features
Is a deciduous shrub that does not usually exceed 4 meters in height. They are often used as a houseplant since it is not usually too tall. It is an ornamental tree that also has other uses that we will see later. It has a large number of branches that hang in a zigzag shape. It has leaves that reach 5 centimeters in length and are oval in type. They have a central rib and two others parallel to this point
As for its flowers, they are yellow and small. The ornamental from a bush is not its flowers, but its leaves. The flowers have 5 petals. It gives rise to a fruit that has few seeds and has a wing to expand territory thanks to the wind.
Within the family Rhamnaceae is the genus Paliurus which is composed of 8 species of shrubs and trees that are distributed throughout the Mediterranean basin, Europe, Asia and North Africa. Among other names by which we can know the Paliurus Spina-christi, es Holy Thorn, Vera Thorn and Paliuro. Flowering takes place during the spring time when temperatures begin to be somewhat higher. It has a fairly slow growth and is often used as isolated specimens, to form screens and informal hedges. To give it an arboreal bearing, it must be done during the pruning season.
Cultivation of Paliurus Spina-christi
To learn about caring for and growing Paliurus Spina-christI must bear in mind that its growth is quite slow. This makes the technique of reproduction by cuttings accelerate the expansion process. Sowing by seeds is not a good option for this species. The years it takes to germinate and the success rate of the seeds they are not too high. If to this we add the slow growth in the development of the roots and the main trunk, it is much faster to be able to expand its territory through cuttings.
The best time to sow is in August. This is because the high temperatures facilitate the growth of the shrub. As long as they are given the necessary care, a good development can be achieved at any time of the year. To facilitate rooting, it is advisable to use hormones for semi-woody or woody stems. These hormones accelerate the growth of the roots so that they can capture the nutrients they need from the soil as soon as possible.
To use these hormones, you just have to soak the cutting in water for a while. In this way, it takes some water and then exchanges it with the hormone powders. Do not abuse the amount of powder that we adhere to the cutting of the Paliurus Spina-christi. To do this, it is convenient to go so that you do not get too much. Next, we make a small hole in the ground and it is inserted not too deep. If we place it too deep, the earth will accumulate making a callus that hinders the development of the roots.
As for the soil, the most suitable so that the thorn of Christ can grow in good conditions are those dry soils. Although it may seem somewhat contradictory, it is dry soils that are rich in lime that this species needs.
Caring for the Paliurus Spina-christi
Exposure to the sun is recommended, although in moderation. Since the sowing time is in the warmest month of the year, you have to be careful with sun exposure at peak times of the day. Irrigation should not be very abundant but it is recommended that it be with a regular frequency. It can also be sown in semi-shady places, especially if the place where we live has a warm climate. They are able to withstand Mediterranean summers and some light and sporadic frosts very well. If the frosts are constant, the bush will not survive.
Although dry soil is the best for this, it can also live in alkaline, poor, sandy and clay soils. You can grow this species in any garden that has normal soil with some coarse sand and organic matter. Since it has a good tolerance to the dry season, your watering should not be too abundant. The indicator to water again is to wait for the soil to dry completely before adding water again. Do not be afraid that the soil will run dry, since it is what the plant prefers.
As for the subscriber, it will be enough to a light compost or manure compost at the beginning of the spring season. This amount of extra nutrients helps them grow and stay better during warmer times. It admits a formation pruning if it is carried out at the end of winter. Usually it is this pruning that is used to give it a more ornamental appearance.
The advantage of Paliurus Spina-christi compared to other plants in the same group is that they are resistant to common garden pests and diseases. Propagation can be made from seeds sown during spring and by cuttings made in summer or spring. As we have mentioned before, cuttings are the best option.
Medicinal use
This plant is used for certain conditions such as high blood pressure, hypercholesterolemia or even heart disease or cases of kidney failure. All this is due to the fact that it has a main property that is to be diuretic. Therefore, certain precautions must be taken before consuming it.
I hope that with this information you can learn more about Paliurus Spina-christi and its characteristics.
