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Cucumbertree Facts

Cucumbertree Facts
Cucumbertree, also known as cucumber magnolia, is deciduous tree that belongs to the magnolia family. It originates from Appalachian mountains in North America. Cucumbertree is widely spread and common in the southeastern parts of the USA and southern parts of Canada today. It can be found on the slopes, valleys and mountains, on the altitude of 5.000 feet. Cucumbertree grows in mixed forests, in areas with sub-humid to humid climate, on moist, well-drained, fertile soil. People cultivate cucumbertree in ornamental purposes (mostly in parks) and as a source of wood.
Interesting Cucumbertree Facts:
Cucumbertree can reach 80 to 100 feet in height and up to 79 feet in width (crown). Cucumbertree grows solitary, usually in oak-hickory forest.
Cucumbertree produces green elliptical or ovate leaves with pointed tips. They are smooth on the edges and alternately arranged on the branches.
Cucumbertree produces small yellow flowers at the end of the branches. Flowers are inconspicuous and closed during the night. Cucumbertree produces individual male and female flowers on the same tree (monoecious species). Flowers last 2 to 4 days.
Cucumbertree blooms from April to July. Flowers attract beetles, main pollinators of this plant. Male and female flowers reach maturity at different time. Male flowers start to wilt when female flowers start to open, to prevent self-pollination.
Fruit of cucumbertree is aggregate of knobby, reddish follicles filled with 10 to 60 seed. Fruit ripens during August and September.
Seed of cucumbertree is reddish-brown and equipped with threads which facilitate dispersal by wind. Water and birds also facilitate spreading of seed in the wild.
Cucumbertree propagates via seed and cuttings.
Cucumbertree starts producing fruit at the age of 30 years. It reaches full capacity at the age of 50 years.
Name "cucumbertree" refers to cylindrical, green-colored unripe fruit of this plant which looks like cucumber.
Seed and fruit of cucumbertree represent important source of food for birds and rodents. Deer occasionally consume twigs, leaves and buds of cucumbertree.
Cucumbertree has strong root system which tolerates numerous diseases. It is often used as rootstock for cultivation of sensitive plants, which are prone to various diseases.
Cucumbertree has soft, durable wood which can be used as a substitute for yellow poplar. Cucumbertree is used for the manufacture of plywood, pellets, crates, boxes and furniture.
Infusion of bark of cucumbertree can be used in treatment of stomach aches and cramps. It also has laxative (facilitate emptying of bowels) and tonic (invigorating) properties. Bark of cucumbertree also has ability to reduce craving for tobacco.
Tea made of bark of cucumbertree was used as a substitute for quinine in treatment of malaria in the past.
Cucumbertree is perennial plant that can survive up to 150 years in the wild (100 to 120 years is an average lifespan).


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