U.S. patent number PP31,851 [Application Number 16/350,364] was granted by the patent office on 2020-06-09 for styrax tree named `sjmtf`.
This patent grant is currently assigned to Southern Selections, LLC. The grantee listed for this patent is SOUTHERN SELECTIONS, LLC. Invention is credited to Dwayne C. Moon.
United States Patent |
PP31,851 |
Moon |
June 9, 2020 |
Styrax tree named `SJMTF`
Abstract
A new and distinct variety of Japanese Snowbell tree named
`SJMTF` substantially as herein shown, illustrated and described,
characterized particularly as to novelty by its columnar growth
habit; dominant central leader, smaller, darker leaves; and its
prolific blooms. These genetic traits are unique to my new variety
and can be consistently reproduced by asexual propagation.
Inventors: |
Moon; Dwayne C. (Logansville,
GA) |
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
SOUTHERN SELECTIONS, LLC |
Loganville |
GA |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
Southern Selections, LLC
(Logansville, GA)
|
Family
ID: |
70457971 |
Appl.
No.: |
16/350,364 |
Filed: |
November 7, 2018 |
Prior Publication Data
|
|
|
|
Document
Identifier |
Publication Date |
|
US 20200146195 P1 |
May 7, 2020 |
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
PLT/216 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A01H
6/00 (20180501); A01H 5/02 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
A01H
5/00 (20180101); A01H 5/02 (20180101); A01H
6/00 (20180101) |
Field of
Search: |
;PLT/216 |
Primary Examiner: Robinson; Keith O.
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Stinson LLP
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A new and distinct variety of Japanese Snowbell tree named
`SJMTF` as herein shown, illustrated and described.
Description
Latin name of genus and species: Styrax japonicus.
Varietal denomination: Japanese Snowbell tree which I have named
`SJMTF`.
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
Not applicable.
STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT
Not applicable.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a new and distinct variety of
Japanese Snowbell tree (Styrax japonicus). The variety is
designated by the cultivar name `SJMTF`.
Discovery
The new Styrax japonicus `SJMTF` variety is the result of a
selection made by the inventor, Dwayne Moon, from a tree which was
crossed within the species (a male Styrax japonicus named MTF101
and a female Styrax japonicus named MTF201; not patented) at a farm
in Madison, Ga. In 2014, the inventor began to take grafts from the
mature parent tree and planted them in production fields in
Washington, Ga. where evaluation of this tree continues.
Propagation
`SJMTF` was asexually propagated by the method of grafting at my
direction in the summer of 2014 at a farm in Washington, Ga. This
propagation from grafting on Styrax japonicus understock and
resulting progeny has proven the characteristics of my new variety
to be genetically stable. Furthermore, these observations have
confirmed that `SJMTF` represents a new and improved variety of
Japanese Snowbell tree as particularly evidenced by the columnar
growth habit; dominant central leader; smaller, darker leaves; and
its prolific white blooms. These genetic traits are unique to
`SJMTF` and can be consistently reproduced by asexual
propagation.
Uniqueness
The characteristics of `SJMTF` distinguish it from other typical
seedling Japanese Snowbell trees and the known cultivars. At the
time this tree was selected, I observed `SJMTF` Japanese Snowbell
tree as a two inch caliper tree exhibiting a columnar growth habit;
dominant central leader, smaller, darker leaves like (RHS 147A) in
summer; and prolific white blooms from May to June. These traits
make `SJMTF` significantly different from the species which is
rounded to broad-rounded. The traits of `SJMTF` also make it
uniquely different from other cultivars such as `Evening Shade`
(U.S. Plant Pat. No. 24,168P2) which has foliage that emerges dark
purple, `Angyo Dwarf` (patent unknown) which has a dwarf habit;
`Carillon`, (patent unknown) `Pendula`, (patent unknown) and
`Fragrant Fountains` (U.S. Plant Pat. No. 19,664) which all have
weeping forms; `Pink Chimes` (patent unknown), and `Rosea` (patent
unknown) which have pink flowers; `Issai` (patent unknown) which is
a faster grower; `Emerald Meadow` (patent unknown) and `Snowcone`
(patent unknown) which are pyramidal in habit; `Emerald Pagoda`
(patent unknown) which has larger leaves, and larger, heavier
flowers; `Crystal` (patent unknown) which has an upright fastigiate
habit with flowers which have purple pedicels; `Kusan` (patent
unknown) which has a compact, globe-shaped form; and `Snow Charm`
(patent unknown) and `Snowfall` (patent unknown) which both have
rounded habits.
Use
`SJMTF` was observed for a period of several years and is believed
to be particularly useful as a specimen tree in commercial and
residential areas, and is worthy of extensive landscape use from
golf courses, commercial sites, and parks. `SJMTF` will also
benefit growers who will profit from the desired look of a high
quality flowering tree due to its columnar growth habit, very dark
foliage, along with abundant white bell-shaped blooms.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Background
Seedling Japanese Snowbell is a small, low-branched tree which
develops a rounded to broad-rounded crown with a wide-spreading,
horizontal branching pattern. Mature native Japanese Snowbell trees
are typically 20 to 30 feet in height with a spread of 15 to 25
feet. Japanese Snowbell tree is native to China, Korea, and Japan
being introduced in 1862. It is noted for its pendulous clusters of
bell-shaped, mildly fragrant, waxy white flowers that bloom in
May-June. Flowers give way to greenish-brown, olive-shaped drupes
that often persist into late autumn. Elliptic-ovate, glossy, medium
to deep green leaves. Fall color is usually insignificant, however
leaves may sometimes turn yellow to red. Japanese Snowbell tree
variety `SJMTF` is an improvement over the species in that it is
asexually reproduced with a columnar growth habit with a dominant
central leader; smaller, darker leaves like (RHS 147A) in summer;
and prolific white blooms from May to June. The ultimate height and
width of a fully grown, mature `SJMTF` is not known. The new
Japanese Snowbell tree `SJMTF` variety is expected to perform as
well as the species varieties.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The accompanying photographs depict the overall appearance and
color of the tree and foliage of the new Japanese Snowbell tree
`SJMTF` variety in reference to trees at 5 years of age as nearly
as is reasonably possible to make the same in a color illustration
of this character.
FIG. 1 shows `SJMTF` taken in the production field in Washington,
Ga. in Wilkes County in 2018.
FIG. 2 shows the small, dark leaves of `SJMTF`.
FIG. 3 shows propagation of the rooted cuttings of `SJMTF`.
FIG. 4 shows the columnar growth habit of `SJMTF`.
FIG. 5 shows the bark of `SJMTF`.
FIG. 6 shows the fruit of `SJMTF`.
FIG. 7 shows the prolific flowers of `SJMTF`.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Botanical Description of the Plant
The following is a detailed description of `SJMTF` Japanese
Snowbell tree with color terminology in accordance with The Royal
Horticulture Society (R.H.S.) Colour Chart (2001) except where the
context indicates a term having its ordinary dictionary
meaning.
`SJMTF` has not been observed under all growing conditions, and
variations may occur as a result of different growing conditions.
All progeny of `SJMTF`, insofar as have been observed by the
inventor, have remained genetically stable in all characteristics
described hereinafter. Other than as set out hereinafter, as of
this time, no other characteristics have been observed by the
inventor that are different from common Japanese Snowbell trees.
Scientific name: Styrax japonicus `SJMTF`. Parentage: Naturally
occurring cross-pollinated seedling with the species, Japanese
Snowbell tree growing in a cultivated field in Madison, Ga. and now
grafted and planted into production fields in Washington, Ga.
Propagation: Root description.--`SJMTF` is grafted onto seedling
rootstocks, so the root system is expected to be typical of the
species, which is somewhat coarse. Root color.--Gray-brown like
(RHS N199). Tree: Growth habit.--Upright columnar branch structure.
In a container or in the ground.--In ground. Height.--Approximately
12' foot at 5 years. Plant spread.--Approximately 4 foot at 5
years. Growth rate.--Height to width ratio 4-1. Average caliper
growth rate between 1/2 to 3/4 inch per year. Trunk
diameter.--Approximately 2 inch caliper measured at 12 inches above
the ground at 5 years. Rises through the canopy and maintains a
central leader. Trunk.--Trunk bark texture: Smooth consistency but
showing irregular and interlacing fissures. Trunk bark color:
Gray-Brown like (RHS N199). Leaves: Arrangement.--Alternate.
Sheen.--Smooth; upper surface glossy; lower surface matte. Shape of
leaf blade.--Elliptical. Leaf apex shape.--Acute. Leaf base
shape.--Cuneate. Leaf margin characteristics.--Serrate. Description
of any leaf pubescence.--None. Leaf length.--4 cm to 6 cm. Leaf
width.--1.5 cm to 2.75 cm. Leaf internode length.--About 1.5 cm.
Leaf venation description.--Pinnate. Petiole length.--1 cm to 1.5
cm. Petiole diameter.--2 mm. Petiole color.--Green like (RHS
N138A). Petiole texture.--Smooth with light pubescence when foliage
emerges. Spring leaf color.--First emerging leaves are green like
(RHS 139B). Summer leaf color.--Upper leaf surface is a very dark
green foliage like (RHS 139A) while the lower leaf surface is green
like (RHS N138A). The center vein is green like (RHS 138B). Fall
color.--Fall color remains green (RHS 139A) with no real
significant change in fall. Pubescence.--None. Flowers:
Shape.--Individually, each flower is bell-shaped. Size.--Individual
flowers have an average diameter of 1.25 to 3 cm drupes.
Color.--White like (RHS 155D). Petals.--Five lobed, white like (RHS
155D). Length: 1.5 cm to 3.5 cm. Width: 0.5 mm to 1.5 mm. Shape:
oval. Texture (top): smooth. Texture (bottom): smooth.
Sepals.--About 5 sepals overlapping in a bell crown. Length: About
0.5 mm. Color: Green like (RHS 140C). Apex description: obtuse.
Base description: rounded. Texture: glabrous. Width: 2.5 cm.
Stamen.--About 5 to 7 per flower. Filament length: About 1 cm by
0.5 mm in diameter. Filament color is white like (RHS 155D).
Anthers.--Broadly oval but slightly irregular in shape, 4 mm long
by 1 mm to 2 mm in diameter. Color is greyed-white like (RHS 156C).
Pollen.--Yellow like (RHS 10B). Amount: Slight. Pedicel.--Length
1.5 mm; diameter 1 mm; color green like (RHS 142B). Peduncle.--6 cm
long by 1.5 mm diameter. Shape: cylindrical. Texture: glabrous.
Color: greyed red-like (RHS 180A). Fragrance.--Sweet. Flowering
season.--Flowering from May to June. Flower longevity on
plant.--Individual flowers last from three to four weeks; flowers
not persistent. Height.--1.5 cm. Inflorescence.--Form: pendulous
raceme. Arrangement: terminal. Number of flowers per inflorescence:
4 to 8. Buds: Terminal flower buds.--Length: about 2 to 3 mm.
Diameter: about 1 mm. Color: grey-brown like (RHS 199C). Texture:
Smooth, glabrous. Shape: oval. Lateral flower bud.--Length: About 2
to 3 mm. Diameter: about 1 mm. Color: brown like (RHS 199C).
Texture: Smooth, glabrous. Shape: oval. Fruit: Shape: Oval. Color:
Yellow-green like (RHS 145C). Length: 2.5 to 6 cm. Diameter: 8 cm.
Seed: Shape.--Ovoid with acute apex and base. Length.--8 mm.
Width.--5 mm. Color.--Greyed orange like (RHS 166C). Number per
capsule.--Typically 1. Pistil: Quantity.--1. Length.--1.5 cm.
Texture.--Smooth. Ovary: Length.--4 mm. Diameter.--3 mm.
Shape.--Rounded. Color.--Greyed purple like (RHS N186C). Stigma:
Length.--5 mm. Diameter.--5 mm. Shape.--Rounded. Color.--White like
(RHS N155B). Style: Length.--16 mm. Diameter.--1 mm.
Shape.--Linear. Color.--White like (RHS N155B). Other
characteristics: Pathogen and pest resistance: Trees of the new
Styrax japonicus `SJMTF` variety have no pests or diseases known to
the inventor. Temperature tolerance: Trees of the new Styrax
japonicus `SJMTF` variety have been observed to tolerate high
temperatures about 95.degree. F. and low temperatures about
10.degree. F. when grown in USDA Hardiness Zone 7b. The new Styrax
japonicus `SJMTF` variety is suitable for growing in USDA zones 5
through 8.
* * * * *