Podcast Script


Hello, and welcome to the Cotoneaster Podcast, a Podcast dedicated to teaching you all the information you need to know about Cotoneaster. In this Podcast, we are going to discuss the Cotoneaster lacteus, better known as the Cotoneaster milkflower. Cotoneasters are dicot plants and belong to the family Rosaceae. In terms of size, the Cotoneaster lacteus can randge from eight to twelve feet tall. The density of the bush can differ greatly as well. One shrub might be very sparce with only a few branches, where as another may be extremely dense and opaque to the human eye. It can grow in temperate zones all over the world. It has taken well to certain parts of Africa, Asia, Europe, and the Western side of the United States. The majority of all cotoneasters are shrubs, and the Cotoneaster lacteus is no exception. The Shrub is constructed by long structural shoots, containing smaller, leafy shoots that have the flowers on them. The flowers on the cotoneaster frigidus are either white or pink. These flowers are usually pollinated by flies and midges. The flowers bloom in June and are hermaphrodites. After they bloom, the seeds ripen from September to November and produce a small, red fruit. This fruit is not tasty, but is useful in making some red dyes. The fruit contains five seeds and can be compared to the size of a malt ball. In terms of sun requirements, cotoneaster lacteus is very versatile. It can live in deep forest, partial shade, or no shade at all. It needs a fair amount of water and the soil must be well-drained. Cotoneaster lacteus also has some unique adaptations as well. It has a cotton-like texture on the bottom of the leaves that helps prevent excess water loss. It also has very attractive flowers and fruits that help ensure the spread of the seeds. An interesting fact about cotoneasters is that their branches are used, and have been used for centuries, in making baskets in the Himalayas. That is all for today, and keep your eye out for this interesting shrub.

Back to Main Cotoneaster2 Page