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Maclura pomifera Osage orange Deciduous tree (1 Page of 5) The Maclura pomifera plant species is found in Southern N. America - Arkansas to Texas. It is a member of the Moraceae family. Common gardeners may know the plant as Osage orange. Some home gardeners know the variety as M. aurantiaca. Toxylon pommifera. Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses Medicinal | Edible Uses Latin Name: Maclura pomifera Common Name: Osage orange Family: Moraceae Author: (Raf.)Schneider. Known Hazards: The milky sap can cause dermatitis in some people[200].
An extract and the juice of the fruit is toxic, though a 10% aqueous infusion and extract diluted 1:1 are not toxic[240]. Mature Height: 15 Mature Width: 12 Habitat: Woods, fields and thickets in rich bottom lands[73, 83].
Propagation Notes: Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in pots in a cold frame. Pre-soak stored seed for 48 hours in warm water and stratify for 2 months at 4°c then sow in a cold frame[113, 200]. Germination is normally good. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts. The seed stores for 3 years[113].
If growing larger quantities of plants, it is probably best to sow the seed in an open seed bed[200]. Grow the plants on for a couple of years in the seed bed before planting them out into their permanent positions.
Cuttings of half-ripe wood, July/August in a frame[200].
Cuttings of mature wood, November to January in a frame[113].
Layering in summer[200].
Root cuttings 4cm long in December. Plant horizontally in pots in a greenhouse and plant out as soon as possible. Good percentage[78].
For further Maclura pomifera gardening information click on one of the blue links below Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses Medicinal | Edible Uses
The information above has been supplied solely via the hard work and dedication of the team at 'Plants for a Future'. View their bibliography

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