Pregledni rad
Prickly pear, agave and carpobrot – species neglected in afforestation and in fire protection
Željko Španjol
; Fakultet šumarstva i drvne tehnologije Sveučilišta u Zagrebu, Zavod za ekologiju i uzgajanje šuma, Zagreb, Hrvatska
Boris Dorbić
; eleučilište “Marko Marulić” u Kninu, Knin, Hrvatska
Marko Vučetić
Sažetak
Succulents are primarily plants of a warm climate, sensitive to low temperatures, with the rare exceptions of species that will be discussed in this paper, namely: Opuntia ficus-indica (L.) Miller-prickly pear, Agave americana L.-agave and Carpobrotus acinaciformis (L.) Bolus-carpobrotus. The paper analyses and compares their biological and ecological characteristics, as well as their forest-breeding characteristics and usage in horticulture, with special reference to afforestation with the purpose of fire protection. Since such species are low vegetation, their place is in the design of decorative rocky landscape. In the system of urban greens, agave is predominantly used, mostly as part of green islands on the outskirts of the town, i.e., the city. These species are also often used in private gardens. These succulents are used for the afforestation of karst and in agroforestry. In addition to being good for melioration, prickly pear is also fruit. They are the most widespread, and also the largest, genus of cacti. Prickly pear is a bushy cactus with the 1-3 (4-5) m in height. The inner part of the fruit, which is edible, is starchy, sweet and fragrant. Its flat leaves can also be eaten. It thrives in a dry and warm climate and is resistant is to salt sediments. It is propagated by seeds, cuttings and grafting. Agave as such does not a have a stem and its leaves are up to 1-1,5 (2) meters long and up to 15-20 (30) cm wide, and they are thick, juicy and grey-green in colour. Along the leaf’s circumference are serrated areas with thorns, together with a thorn on top. It is a desert plant that has adapted to dry conditions. Agave reproduces by seed and vegetatively. In the coastal region, agave is used in parks and gardens, as well as in green areas. All agaves are honey plants, edible and medicinal. They are mostly used to obtain fibres and make tequila. There are no significant agave plantations in the area of our karst. Carpobrotus originates from South Africa, from where it has spread around the world. Carpobrotus is an evergreen meaty plant flesh and it’s up to 15 cm tall with creeping stems. It grows on sunny sandy and rocky shores near the sea. It prefers moist and drained soil. It is easy to propagate and is planted as a sapling, but also as a useful plant that quickly covers the soil, creating a living “carpet” that does not tolerate trampling over and protects soil from erosion. Carpobrotus edulis or Hottentot rose can also be found in central and southern Dalmatia (while this species is more sensitive to cold). This species has decorative yellow flowers. Complete species are used as decorative species in the horticultural arrangement of settlements, at tourist destinations and other facilities. All three species should be used for afforestation, for the purpose of melioration, in the pharmacy and the food industry.
Ključne riječi
agave; prickly pear; carpobrotus; bio-ecological characteristics; afforestation
Hrčak ID:
261410
URI
Datum izdavanja:
28.6.2021.
Posjeta: 2.198 *