The word "rakita" has been known to many since school days, from lessons in Russian literature. We often find him in the works of classics of past centuries, but we don’t think about what it means.
In fact, rakita is a willow, and not some specific species of it, but the common folk name of willow trees. Where did this affectionate word come from, where rakits grow, how a person uses them on the farm, and what popular beliefs are associated with this plant - our article will tell about this.
Origin of the word
The etymology of the word is tightly connected with the Old Slavic language. Many languages of the peoples of Eastern Europe have similar and consonant names, and they mean the same thing. Rakita is a willow tree, and that's exactly what many Slavic peoples call it. In Bulgarian, Polish, Ukrainian, Polish, 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 enough from Russia.
Plant description
Most often, a rakita is a tree with one or more thin trunks and hanging branches. Some species are represented by shrubs rather than trees.
The foliage of the tree is dense, often curly, it is painted in a rich grassy green color. The bark of branches is smooth and shiny.
Those who set out to find out what rakita is, may be surprised to find that even willow, the closest relative of the willow, falls under this definition.
Spread
Archaeological finds indicate that rakita is an ancient plant. It existed millions of years ago. Imprints of willow twigs and leaves are found almost everywhere in the Cretaceous rock.
This plant loves moisture, so we often see shores of lakes and rivers overgrown with cancer. Their beautiful flexible branches fall right down to the water.
Rakita is a plant that has a fairly wide range. Willow trees grow on all continents except Antarctica. However, there are some species of this plant that grow even beyond the Arctic Circle. Rakita can be found in almost any corner of the Earth, including the hot tropics. This tree most of all likes continental and subtropical climate.
Rakita bush grows quite quickly, letting the shoots from the roots. Some breeds of this plant are able to breed and seeds. Seed germination is weak, lost after a few days. But most of the trees and bushes of Rakita are suitable for reproduction using cuttings. Most often, it is in this way that biologists remove rakita seedlings, which are subsequently transplanted into urban squares.
Application
Willow 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 wood-poor regions, racite even serves as building material.
The thick branches of the willow perfectly cope with the function of wind protection. Often rockets are planted in barrage plantings near fields that impede weathering of soils. Rakita is also used to strengthen the channels of water bodies. It is planted along the banks of rivers and lakes.
The wood of this plant is used in the tannin process in the processing of genuine leather. And from its flexible branches weave baskets, dishes, souvenirs and even furniture elements. Willow twigs are also great for making bath brooms.
Rakita foliage is an excellent pet food. Sheep and goats are especially fond of this plant.
Do not forget about the high decorative characteristics of this tree. Rakits are often planted in holiday homes, boarding houses, and sanatoriums. Often you can meet this tree in city parks.
