Epsilon Archive for Student Projects

Abstract

In Sweden and in Scandinavia the amount of tree species are rather few. However many different forms of trees arise due to mutations and gives rare appearances like cut-leaved and hanging forms. In some cases these trees are interesting as cultivars and a few of them have become popular garden trees. The knowledge of the original trees and early propagation is meagre.

In this study a selected group of trees were found through search of literature. Eight tree forms were chosen and investigated in situ. An inventory and documentation made in corporation with a national program for preservation of the native cultural plants (the program of cultivated diversity, POM) was made.

The selection of trees represented general as well as specific criterias. The chosed invented specimens were of the tree forms Alnus incana f. semipinnata, Carpinus betulus f. lennwalliana, Fagus sylvatica f. osbyensis, Juniperus communis f. suecica, Picea abies f. cruenta, Populus tremula f. erecta, Prunus padus f. colorata and Quercus robur f. pendula.

The study aimed at clarifying a number of questions. Firstly, the existence of a mother plant had to be examined. In unfeasible, the possibility of early propagations or to trace any equivalent specimen for reference had to be established.

After collecting the material the following questions were highlighted:
- Geographical location, growth-zone and site condition
- Measurements, girth and age of tree/s
- Measurement of vitality and physical condition of tree/s
- Owner of tree/s
- Current maintenance and possible threats to the tree/s
- To which extent the trees have been propagated and dispersal of specimen
- If applicable, to which extent the trees and classificatory clones have disappeared
- Records and historical data of individual species
- New data to be submitted due to the following survey/research

Original trees of four tree forms still existed. Of the remaining four two early propagations and two representative trees were found. Significant data about the tree forms were found through the investigation.

This work was presented as a thesis for Degree of Bachelor of Science in Landscape construction and management at the Swedish University of Agricultural sciences, faculty of Landscape planning, Horticulture and Agricultural science, Alnarp, Sweden.