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Redbud tree Facts

Redbud tree Facts
Redbud tree is deciduous tree that belongs to the family Fabaceae. This plant originates from southern Europe and western Asia. Redbud tree can be found around the world today. It usually grows in the valleys and on the slopes, on the well-drained soil in areas that provide enough direct sunlight. Despite its name, Redbud tree develops purple buds. People cultivate Redbud tree because of its ornamental morphology and beautiful, fragrant flowers. Also, certain parts of tree can be used in human diet, bark of the tree exerts healing properties and wood has application in construction industry.
Interesting Redbud tree Facts:
Redbud tree is small tree. It develops 6 to 10 inches wide trunk that can grow 15 to 30 feet in height. Crown can reach 10 to 20 feet in diameter.
Redbud tree has gray or brownish bark that is smooth in young trees. It becomes furrowed after couple of years.
Redbud tree produces heart-shaped leaves with pointed tips. They have smooth surface and smooth edges. Leaves have long petiole and they are alternately arranged on the branches.
Redbud tree produces pink or purple flowers from March to May. Flowers appear on the tree before leaves.
Besides from the flower buds on the branches, Redbud tree produces flowers directly from the trunk. This phenomenon is known as cauliflory.
Beautiful, pink flowers of Redbud tree are pollinated by bees and other insects. Flowers attract pollinators with large quantities of nectar.
Fruit of Redbud tree is purple pod that subsequently changes its color to black. Pod is flat and up to 3 inches long. It hangs from the branches and trunk during the summer and autumn. Pod contains miniature black seeds. They are often on the menu of deer and birds.
Redbud tree can be propagated via seed, tissue cuttings and budding.
Redbug tree is also known as Judas tree. According to the legend, Judas Iscariot hanged himself on the Redbud Tree after he betrayed Christ. Since it was ashamed, Redbud tree changed the color of the bloom from white to red.
Redbud Tree is especially important for the people of Israel, where it has status of protected tree.
Hard wood of Redbud tree is used in the production of veneers.
Flowers, buds and pods are edible. Flowers and buds are harvested at the beginning of the spring, and pods at the beginning of summer. Flowers have sweet or slightly acidic taste. They can be used raw (in the form of salads) or pickled.
Root of redbud tree contains substances that are used for the production of red dyes.
Redbud tree is often targeted by spiders, mites and tree hoppers. It is also prone to fungal infections that induce cankers, leaf spots and verticillium wilt.
Redbud tree can survive 35 to 40 years when it is cultivated under optimal conditions.


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