Rakita is a tree? What is Rakita?

The word "rakita" is known to many people from the school bench, from lessons on Russian literature. We often meet him in the works of the classics of past centuries, but what it means, and do not think.

In fact, rakita is a willow, not just some kind of its kind, but a common folk name for willow trees. Where did this affectionate word come from, where rakits grow, how people use them on the farm and what folk beliefs are associated with this plant - our article will tell about this.

Origin of the word

The etymology of the word is closely connected with the Old Slavonic language. In many languages of the peoples of Eastern Europe there are similar and consonant names, and they mean the same thing. Rakita is a willow tree, and that is how many Slavic peoples call it. In Bulgarian, Polish, Ukrainian, Polabian, Serbian and many other languages there is a similar word. Linguistic scholars believe that the form and meaning of the word "rakita" has connections even with the languages of other peoples who lived far from Russia.

Description of the plant

Most often, a rakita is a tree with one or several thin trunks and dangling branches. Some species are represented by shrubs, not trees.

The foliage of the tree is dense, often curly, it is colored in a rich herbaceous green color. The bark of the branches is smooth and shiny.

Those who have set out to learn what a rakita is, can be surprised to find that even the willow, the closest relative of the willow, falls under this definition.

Spread

Archaeological finds indicate that the rakita is an ancient plant. It existed millions of years ago. Impressions of willow rods and leaves are found in chalky breed almost everywhere.

This plant loves moisture, so we often see the banks of lakes and rivers overgrown with rakits. Their beautiful, flexible branches fall right to the water.

Rakita is a plant that has a fairly wide range. Willow trees grow on all continents, except for Antarctica. However, there are some species of this plant that grow even beyond the Arctic Circle. Rakita can be found almost anywhere in the world, including the hot tropics. This tree most of all like the continental and subtropical climate.

The broom of the rakita grows quite rapidly, starting the shoots from the roots. Some breeds of this plant are able to reproduce and seeds. Germination of seeds is weak, lost after a few days. But most of the trees and shrubs of the rocket are suitable for reproduction by means of cuttings. Most often it is this way biologists and plant saplings rakits, which are subsequently transplanted into urban squares.

Application

The willow's wood is soft, easy to process, and the woody pattern is very beautiful. Rakita is a tree that is widely used in the national economy. Not only crafts are made from it - in the poor wood regions the rakita serves even as a building material.

The dense branches of the willow perfectly cope with the function of wind protection. Often, the rakits are planted in protective landings near fields that prevent the weathering of soils. Rakita is also used to strengthen the channels of reservoirs. It is planted along the banks of rivers and lakes.

The wood of this plant is used in the tanning process when processing natural leather. And from its flexible branches weave baskets, dishes, souvenirs and even furniture items. Willow rods are also great for making bath brooms.

Foliage of rakita is an excellent food for pets. Especially love to eat this plant sheep and goats.

Do not forget about the high decorative characteristics of this tree. Rakits are often planted on the territory of holiday homes, boarding houses, sanatoriums. Often you can meet this tree in urban parks.

Popular signs about rakits

The Slavs believed that by observing nature, one can predict the weather for many months ahead. For example, in the opinion of our ancestors, the early hoarfrost on the rakite foreshadowed a long and frosty winter. And if this plant has the first fluff, then there will be no more cold - spring has come.

The image of a weeping tree is quite steady even today. It is believed that the rakita dreams of sorrows, tears and loneliness. But if you had to hide in the blessed shadow of such plants in a dream, this is a very good sign.