As summer comes to an end, trees and shrubs prepare for the approaching winter. Humans can follow these processes. The foliage develops magnificent autumn colors. But exciting processes take place in the leaf itself.
In autumn, the vinegar tree shines in bright colors
autumn coloring
Vinegar trees are known for their gorgeous fall foliage. As the shrubs prepare for winter, they break down the nitrogen-rich green leaf pigment. This chlorophyll has an important function in photosynthesis. Plants use the sun's energy to form sugar. Photosynthesis stops in autumn. The chlorophyll is broken down into its components and stored. As a result, other dyes appear.
The leaves of the vinegar tree change step by step, because the degradation processes of the individual pigments take place one after the other. Carotenoids are responsible for the orange color and appear after the green pigment has been broken down. In the second stage, vinegar trees break down the carotenoids, causing the xanthophylls to emerge. They produce a yellow color. After these substances have been stored, the anthocyanins emerge and the leaves glow red. This dye probably serves to protect the degradation products from UV light.
Leaf Features:
- imparipinnate with nine to 31 leaflets
- Partial leaflets with unevenly serrated leaf margin
- leaves up to 60 centimeters long
- Leaves glossy green on top, light green to grey-green underneath
leaf fall
A thin layer of cork forms between the twig and the base of the leaf while the decomposition processes are running. This covering closes the raceways and stops the flow of nutrients into the leaves, causing them to dry out. With a light gust of wind, the leaves fall off. At the same time, the cork layer prevents parasites and pathogens from entering the organism.
Preparations for winter
Outdoor vinegar trees are hardy down to temperatures of -20 degrees Celsius. They do not need additional winter protection. Potted plants are a bit more sensitive because their root ball is only protected by a comparatively thin layer of soil. Place the pot in a sheltered spot where no frost is expected. A bright room is ideal. Alternatively, you can wrap the plant pot with a few layers of garden fleece or foil. A block of wood or a styrofoam plate (35.50€) acts as an insulating layer between the bucket and the ground.