9+ Stunning Tri Color Beech Trees For Sale | Best Deals


9+ Stunning Tri Color Beech Trees For Sale | Best Deals

A European beech cultivar displaying hanging variegated foliage in shades of pink, white, and inexperienced, Fagus sylvatica ‘Tricolor’ or ‘Roseomarginata’ is a sought-after decorative tree for landscaping. Nurseries and specialised retailers typically supply these timber in numerous sizes, from younger saplings to extra established specimens. The provision and pricing can fluctuate relying on the scale, well being, and particular cultivar.

The aesthetic worth of this tree lies in its distinctive and vibrant foliage, making it a focus in gardens and landscapes. Its comparatively sluggish progress fee and manageable measurement make it appropriate for smaller properties in addition to bigger estates. Traditionally, variegated beech timber have been prized by collectors and fans for his or her uncommon and attention-grabbing look, including a contact of class and class to outside areas. Their adaptability to varied soil circumstances and hardiness additional improve their desirability.

This overview units the stage for a extra detailed exploration of matters reminiscent of correct planting and care, very best rising circumstances, cultivar variations inside the tricolor beech household, and integration into panorama design. Moreover, info on sourcing and choosing wholesome specimens from respected suppliers will likely be mentioned.

1. Nursery Availability

Nursery availability considerably impacts the acquisition of Fagus sylvatica ‘Tricolor’ or ‘Roseomarginata’. Cultivation and propagation practices affect the amount and high quality of accessible specimens. Specialised nurseries specializing in decorative timber usually tend to supply these cultivars than common nurseries. Geographic location additionally performs a job; nurseries in temperate climates with appropriate rising circumstances for beeches usually tend to domesticate them. Restricted availability might necessitate pre-ordering or touring to amass desired specimens. For instance, a smaller, native nursery would possibly supply a restricted collection of younger saplings, whereas a bigger, specialised nursery might need a wider vary of sizes and cultivars, together with mature, grafted specimens.

Nursery propagation strategies have an effect on the traits of accessible timber. Grafting, a standard approach for variegated cultivars, ensures constant coloration and predictable progress habits. Seed-grown timber, nonetheless, exhibit higher variability in leaf coloration and total kind. Understanding these propagation strategies permits for knowledgeable choice based mostly on particular panorama wants. Moreover, nursery practices relating to pest and illness administration immediately have an effect on tree well being and long-term viability. Respected nurseries prioritize preventative measures and guarantee wholesome inventory, minimizing dangers for purchasers.

In abstract, nursery availability acts as a gatekeeper to buying desired tri coloration beech specimens. Researching native and regional nurseries, understanding their specialization and propagation practices, and inquiring about availability and pricing are important steps within the acquisition course of. Recognizing the interaction between geographic location, nursery specialization, and propagation strategies allows knowledgeable selections and will increase the chance of acquiring a wholesome, vibrant tree. This information additionally empowers purchasers to help nurseries dedicated to sustainable and accountable cultivation practices.

2. On-line Retailers

On-line retailers symbolize a major avenue for buying tri-color beech timber, providing potential benefits and downsides in comparison with conventional brick-and-mortar nurseries. Understanding the nuances of on-line plant buying is essential for a profitable end result.

  • Choice and Selection

    On-line retailers typically present entry to a broader vary of cultivars and sizes than native nurseries, probably together with rarer varieties or specialised grafted specimens. Nonetheless, on-line catalogs would possibly current idealized pictures; verifying cultivar specifics and requesting real-time images can mitigate potential discrepancies between marketed and delivered timber.

  • Delivery and Logistics

    Transporting reside timber presents logistical challenges. Delivery length, packaging high quality, and local weather circumstances throughout transit considerably influence tree well being. Respected on-line retailers make use of specialised packaging and expedited delivery to reduce stress on the plant. Purchasers ought to fastidiously evaluate delivery insurance policies, together with ensures and procedures for broken or diseased timber upon arrival.

  • Analysis and Due Diligence

    On-line platforms facilitate analysis and comparability throughout numerous retailers. Inspecting buyer opinions, vendor scores, and firm historical past offers useful insights into retailer status and reliability. Verifying vendor credentials, reminiscent of nursery certifications or affiliations with skilled horticultural organizations, can additional guarantee high quality and experience.

  • Pricing and Prices

    On-line pricing might be aggressive, however factoring in delivery prices is crucial for correct funds evaluation. Evaluating complete prices, together with delivery and dealing with, throughout completely different retailers ensures knowledgeable buying selections. Moreover, understanding refund and return insurance policies is essential, significantly relating to reside crops, which might be delicate to delivery stress.

Efficiently buying tri-color beech timber by means of on-line retailers necessitates cautious consideration of choice, delivery, analysis, and pricing. Balancing the potential advantages of broader entry and aggressive pricing in opposition to the dangers related to delivery and retailer reliability finally determines the success of on-line plant purchases. Thorough due diligence empowers knowledgeable selections and will increase the chance of acquiring wholesome, vibrant specimens.

3. Tree Measurement and Maturity

Tree measurement and maturity symbolize important concerns when choosing a tri-color beech for buy. These elements affect not solely the preliminary price and logistical features of acquisition but in addition the tree’s speedy influence on the panorama and its long-term progress potential. Cautious analysis of measurement and maturity ensures alignment with the purchaser’s aesthetic imaginative and prescient, funds, and website circumstances.

  • Instant Impression vs. Lengthy-Time period Development

    Bigger, extra mature specimens present speedy visible influence, establishing a distinguished presence within the panorama from the outset. Nonetheless, these mature timber come at a premium price and require specialised dealing with throughout transport and planting. Smaller, youthful timber supply a extra budget-friendly possibility with higher adaptability to transplantation, however require time to realize their full measurement and visible influence. Selecting between speedy gratification and gradual growth depends upon the purchaser’s priorities and long-term panorama imaginative and prescient.

  • Value Concerns

    Tree measurement immediately correlates with price. Bigger, established specimens, significantly these with well-developed branching constructions and vibrant variegation, command larger costs because of the time and sources invested of their cultivation. Smaller, youthful timber supply price financial savings however require higher endurance as they mature. Balancing funds constraints with desired visible influence necessitates cautious consideration of measurement and related prices.

  • Transplantation and Institution

    Bigger timber current higher challenges for transplantation. Their in depth root techniques require cautious dealing with and sometimes necessitate specialised tools for transport and planting. Smaller timber, with much less developed root techniques, adapt extra readily to new environments and set up themselves extra rapidly. Assessing website accessibility and out there sources for planting influences the possible measurement of the tree.

  • Lengthy-Time period Web site Suitability

    Mature tree measurement projections are important for evaluating long-term website suitability. Planting a tree that ultimately outgrows its allotted house necessitates pruning or removing, probably compromising its aesthetic kind or requiring expensive interventions. Contemplating the timber final top and unfold ensures harmonious integration inside the panorama and avoids future conflicts with surrounding constructions or vegetation.

Choosing an appropriately sized and matured tri-color beech requires a holistic evaluation balancing speedy influence, price concerns, logistical feasibility, and long-term website suitability. Aligning these elements with particular person preferences and panorama aims ensures a profitable and satisfying end result, maximizing the timber aesthetic contribution and long-term viability inside its meant setting.

4. Cultivar Variations (‘Roseomarginata’, ‘Tricolor’)

Cultivar variations inside the tri-color beech group symbolize a major issue influencing buying selections. Distinguishing traits between cultivars, reminiscent of ‘Roseomarginata’ and ‘Tricolor’, influence the tree’s aesthetic contribution to the panorama. Understanding these variations permits for knowledgeable choice based mostly on particular coloration preferences and total design aims.

  • Leaf Coloration and Sample

    ‘Roseomarginata’ shows a particular pink margin round its leaves, typically accompanied by creamy white and inexperienced central variegation. ‘Tricolor’, whereas additionally variegated, displays a broader vary of hues, generally together with purplish or copper tones, with much less outlined margins. The particular coloration of every cultivar contributes in a different way to the general panorama palette, impacting its visible interaction with surrounding crops and options.

  • Development Behavior and Measurement

    Whereas each cultivars share the comparatively sluggish progress fee attribute of beech timber, refined variations in mature measurement and branching construction can exist. ‘Roseomarginata’ tends to keep up a barely extra compact kind, whereas ‘Tricolor’ would possibly exhibit higher variability in its progress behavior. These refined distinctions affect long-term spatial necessities inside the panorama.

  • Availability and Pricing

    Cultivar reputation and propagation strategies affect availability and pricing. ‘Roseomarginata’, with its distinctive pink margins, is very wanted, probably impacting its availability and commanding a barely larger worth in comparison with different tri-color variations. Understanding market dynamics informs buying selections and funds allocation.

  • Environmental Adaptability

    Whereas each cultivars typically share comparable environmental necessities appropriate for beech timber, slight variations in tolerance to particular soil circumstances or local weather extremes can exist. Researching cultivar-specific adaptability ensures optimum placement inside the meant panorama setting and maximizes long-term well being and vigor.

Choosing a particular tri-color beech cultivar requires cautious consideration of leaf coloration, progress behavior, availability, and environmental adaptability. These elements affect the tree’s aesthetic contribution, long-term viability, and total compatibility with the meant panorama design. Knowledgeable choice based mostly on these cultivar-specific traits ensures a profitable end result, maximizing the tree’s decorative worth and enhancing the general panorama aesthetic.

5. Pricing and Finances

Pricing and funds concerns play a vital position in buying a tri-color beech. A number of elements affect the price of these timber, impacting affordability and requiring cautious funds allocation. Understanding these elements empowers knowledgeable buying selections aligned with monetary constraints.

Tree measurement considerably influences worth. Bigger, extra mature specimens, particularly these with established branching constructions and vibrant variegation, command larger costs because of the prolonged cultivation interval and related useful resource funding. Smaller saplings or youthful timber current a extra budget-friendly possibility, albeit requiring time to realize full measurement and visible influence. For instance, a small, container-grown tri-color beech may cost a little between $50 and $150, whereas a bigger, field-grown specimen may vary from a number of hundred to over a thousand {dollars} relying on measurement and maturity. Cultivar rarity additionally impacts pricing; much less frequent variations or these with distinctive coloration patterns typically command premium costs.

Sourcing location impacts price. Native nurseries would possibly supply aggressive costs, particularly for smaller timber, however availability is likely to be restricted. Specialised nurseries or on-line retailers providing broader picks probably incur larger transportation prices, influencing the ultimate worth. Evaluating costs throughout completely different sources, together with nurseries, backyard facilities, and on-line retailers, whereas contemplating delivery and dealing with charges, ensures cost-effectiveness. Setting a practical funds beforehand and exploring out there choices inside that funds prevents overspending and facilitates knowledgeable decision-making. Recognizing the interaction between tree measurement, cultivar, and sourcing location empowers purchasers to stability desired traits with affordability.

6. Well being and Vigor

Well being and vigor are paramount when choosing a tri-color beech for buy. A tree’s vitality immediately impacts its capacity to ascertain itself, face up to environmental stressors, and categorical its vibrant variegation. Cautious evaluation of well being indicators in the course of the choice course of is essential for long-term success. Buying a wholesome tree represents an funding in its future efficiency and aesthetic contribution to the panorama.

A number of key indicators signify a wholesome tri-color beech. These embody vibrant, unblemished foliage free from indicators of illness or pest infestation. A well-developed root system, applicable for the tree’s measurement, is crucial for nutrient uptake and stability. Inspecting the trunk and branches for structural integrity and absence of cankers or wounds is essential. Wholesome timber exhibit robust apical dominance, indicating vigorous progress. As an example, a tree with wilted or discolored leaves, sparse branching, or seen injury to the trunk signifies potential underlying points, impacting its long-term survival and aesthetic worth. Conversely, a tree with lush, vibrant foliage, a sturdy root system, and powerful branching signifies optimum well being and vigor, growing its possibilities of thriving in its new atmosphere.

Prioritizing well being and vigor in the course of the choice course of minimizes dangers and maximizes the chance of a profitable end result. Selecting a wholesome tree ensures optimum institution, illness resistance, and vibrant coloration expression. A wholesome tree requires much less intensive care and intervention, lowering long-term upkeep calls for. Investing in a wholesome specimen, even at a barely larger preliminary price, represents a sound funding within the long-term well being and great thing about the panorama. This proactive strategy avoids potential prices and disappointments related to diseased or declining timber.

7. Delivery and Transport

Delivery and transport symbolize important concerns when buying a tri-color beech, significantly when sourced from on-line retailers or distant nurseries. The method of transporting reside timber presents inherent challenges, impacting tree well being and long-term viability. Correct dealing with throughout transit is crucial for profitable institution and sustained decorative worth.

  • Packaging and Dealing with

    Applicable packaging safeguards the tree throughout transit. Protecting measures, reminiscent of wrapping the foundation ball in burlap and securing branches to stop breakage, are essential. Specialised containers or crates for bigger specimens decrease motion and potential injury. Improper packaging can result in root desiccation, department injury, and total stress, compromising the tree’s well being upon arrival.

  • Transportation Methodology and Length

    Transportation methodology and length considerably influence tree well being. Expedited delivery minimizes transit time, lowering stress on the tree. Local weather-controlled transport, significantly throughout temperature extremes, additional safeguards in opposition to injury. Extended transit durations, particularly with out enough local weather management, can result in dehydration, leaf drop, and total decline, hindering the tree’s capacity to ascertain itself after planting.

  • Receiving and Inspection

    Upon arrival, cautious inspection of the tree is crucial. Assessing for indicators of injury, reminiscent of damaged branches, broken roots, or wilted foliage, permits for immediate remediation or recourse with the provider. Documenting any injury with pictures facilitates communication with the vendor and helps potential claims. Immediate unpacking and watering after arrival minimizes additional stress and aids within the tree’s restoration from transit.

  • Acclimatization and Planting

    Correct acclimatization after transport is essential for profitable institution. Step by step introducing the tree to its new atmosphere, avoiding speedy publicity to full solar or excessive temperatures, permits for adjustment and minimizes transplant shock. Following really helpful planting procedures, together with correct soil preparation and watering strategies, additional helps the tree’s transition and long-term well being.

Profitable transport and institution of a tri-color beech necessitate cautious consideration of packaging, transportation methodology, post-arrival inspection, and acclimatization procedures. These elements immediately affect the tree’s well being, vigor, and long-term viability in its new atmosphere. Prioritizing correct dealing with throughout every stage of the method maximizes the chance of a profitable end result, making certain the tree thrives and contributes its meant decorative worth to the panorama. Failure to handle these logistical concerns can compromise the tree’s well being, probably main to say no or mortality, negating the funding and diminishing the specified aesthetic enhancement.

8. Planting Location Suitability

Planting location suitability considerably influences the long-term well being, vigor, and aesthetic contribution of a tri-color beech. Cautious website choice prior to buy is crucial, making certain the chosen atmosphere aligns with the tree’s particular wants and maximizes its potential. Evaluating website circumstances relative to the tree’s necessities ensures a profitable and sustainable end result, avoiding potential points related to improper placement.

  • Daylight Publicity

    Tri-color beeches thrive in partial shade to full solar circumstances. Whereas they tolerate some shade, optimum coloration and progress sometimes happen with ample daylight publicity, ideally 4-6 hours per day. Websites with extreme shade can result in diminished variegation and leggy progress, compromising the tree’s aesthetic enchantment. Conversely, excessively sunny, uncovered places, particularly in hotter climates, would possibly scorch the fragile foliage. Cautious evaluation of daylight patterns inside the meant planting space is crucial for optimum placement.

  • Soil Situations

    Nicely-drained, barely acidic to impartial soil pH is good for tri-color beeches. These timber desire moist, fertile soil however are illiberal of waterlogged circumstances, which might result in root rot and decline. Amending heavy clay soils with natural matter improves drainage and aeration. Conducting a soil check previous to planting offers useful insights into soil composition and pH, permitting for mandatory amendments to optimize rising circumstances. Matching the soil traits of the planting website with the tree’s preferences promotes wholesome root growth and total vigor.

  • Area Necessities

    Mature measurement projections inform applicable spacing. Tri-color beeches, whereas comparatively slow-growing, can ultimately attain substantial heights and spreads, sometimes 20-40 toes tall and vast. Planting too near constructions, different timber, or utility strains restricts progress and necessitates future pruning or removing. Ample spacing permits for full growth of the tree’s pure kind and maximizes its aesthetic contribution to the panorama.

  • Environmental Concerns

    Native local weather circumstances, together with temperature extremes, wind publicity, and precipitation patterns, affect planting location suitability. Tri-color beeches exhibit average chilly hardiness however might be prone to break from late frosts or harsh winter winds. Sheltered places supply safety from excessive climate occasions. Contemplating prevailing environmental circumstances ensures the tree’s adaptability to its environment and promotes long-term survival.

Evaluating planting location suitability previous to buying a tri-color beech is essential for long-term success. Aligning the location’s traits with the tree’s particular wants relating to daylight, soil, house, and environmental circumstances ensures optimum progress, vibrant variegation, and total aesthetic contribution to the panorama. Failure to think about these elements can compromise the tree’s well being and longevity, negating the funding and diminishing its meant decorative worth. Subsequently, cautious website evaluation is an integral element of the buying course of, making certain the chosen tree thrives and enhances its environment for years to come back.

9. Guarantee or Assure

Warranties or ensures accompanying tri-color beech tree gross sales supply purchasers a level of safety in opposition to potential dangers related to plant mortality or unexpected points arising after buy. These assurances, whereas not universally provided, symbolize a major issue influencing buying selections, significantly for higher-value specimens or on-line purchases the place pre-purchase inspection is restricted. The presence and specifics of a guaranty influence purchaser confidence and supply recourse in conditions reminiscent of tree loss of life, illness manifestation, or failure to thrive inside a specified timeframe.

A number of elements affect the scope and effectiveness of such warranties. Length varies; some warranties cowl a restricted interval, reminiscent of one yr from the acquisition date, whereas others supply prolonged protection. Particular circumstances lined by the guarantee are essential; some handle solely mortality, whereas others would possibly embody particular illnesses or institution failures. Understanding the phrases and limitations of the guarantee is essential. As an example, warranties is likely to be voided if particular planting or care directions aren’t adopted. Actual-life examples illustrate the sensible significance: a one-year guarantee on a tri-color beech would possibly present a substitute tree if it dies inside that timeframe, providing monetary safety in opposition to unexpected losses. Nonetheless, if the guarantee excludes points associated to particular pests or illnesses prevalent within the planting area, the purchaser bears the danger and price of remediation for these points.

In abstract, warranties and ensures related to tri-color beech gross sales supply a measure of safety and recourse for purchasers. Evaluating the phrases, length, and particular inclusions or exclusions of those warranties is essential for knowledgeable decision-making. The presence of a sturdy guarantee can improve purchaser confidence, significantly when buying from on-line retailers or distant nurseries the place pre-purchase inspection is restricted. Understanding the sensible implications of guarantee phrases empowers purchasers to mitigate dangers and make knowledgeable selections aligned with their particular person circumstances and danger tolerance. Absence of a guaranty necessitates cautious pre-purchase analysis of tree well being and vendor status to reduce potential losses.

Steadily Requested Questions

This part addresses frequent inquiries relating to the acquisition and cultivation of tri-color beech timber, offering concise but informative responses to facilitate knowledgeable decision-making.

Query 1: What’s the typical worth vary for a tri-color beech?

Pricing depends upon measurement, maturity, and sourcing location. Smaller, youthful timber sometimes vary from $50 to $150, whereas bigger, established specimens can price a number of hundred to over a thousand {dollars}. On-line retailers might supply aggressive pricing however think about delivery prices.

Query 2: How does one differentiate between ‘Roseomarginata’ and ‘Tricolor’ cultivars?

‘Roseomarginata’ displays a definite pink margin round its leaves. ‘Tricolor’ shows a broader vary of variegation, together with purple or copper tones, with much less outlined margins.

Query 3: What are the best rising circumstances for a tri-color beech?

Tri-color beeches thrive in partial shade to full solar with well-drained, barely acidic to impartial soil. Constant moisture is crucial, however keep away from waterlogged circumstances.

Query 4: How ought to a newly bought tri-color beech be transported?

Defend the foundation ball and branches throughout transport. Reduce transit time and make the most of climate-controlled transport if doable. Examine for injury upon arrival.

Query 5: What are the important thing concerns for planting location choice?

Think about mature measurement, daylight publicity, soil drainage, and prevailing environmental circumstances. Keep away from planting too near constructions or different timber. Guarantee enough spacing for future progress.

Query 6: What recourse is offered if a bought tree fails to ascertain itself or displays indicators of illness?

Inquire about warranties or ensures provided by the vendor. Phrases and durations range, so perceive particular inclusions and exclusions earlier than buying. Doc any points promptly with photographic proof.

Cautious consideration of those elements ensures profitable acquisition and cultivation, maximizing the aesthetic contribution and longevity of the tri-color beech.

The following part delves into detailed care and upkeep practices, making certain the sustained well being and vibrancy of your tri-color beech.

Important Ideas for Buying and Cultivating a Thriving Tri-Coloration Beech

Profitable cultivation of a tri-color beech necessitates knowledgeable decision-making all through the acquisition and planting course of. Adherence to finest practices ensures optimum well being, vibrant variegation, and long-term viability inside the panorama.

Tip 1: Supply Choice Issues: Search respected nurseries or on-line retailers specializing in decorative timber. Consider vendor status, buyer opinions, and out there warranties earlier than committing to a purchase order. Specialised nurseries typically supply experience and higher-quality inventory.

Tip 2: Prioritize Well being and Vigor: Examine timber for indicators of sturdy well being, together with vibrant foliage, robust branching construction, and a well-developed root system. Keep away from specimens exhibiting indicators of illness, pest infestation, or mechanical injury. A wholesome begin units the stage for long-term success.

Tip 3: Match Tree Measurement to Web site Situations: Think about mature measurement projections relative to out there house. Keep away from planting timber destined to outgrow their allotted house, stopping future crowding or interference with surrounding constructions. Cautious planning ensures harmonious integration inside the panorama.

Tip 4: Optimize Soil and Daylight: Conduct a soil check to evaluate drainage and pH, amending as wanted to fulfill the tree’s preferences. Choose a planting location providing ample daylight publicity, ideally 4-6 hours per day, for optimum coloration and progress. Nicely-drained, barely acidic to impartial soil promotes wholesome root growth.

Tip 5: Deal with with Care Throughout Transport: Defend the foundation ball and branches throughout transport. Reduce transit time and make the most of climate-controlled transport if possible, particularly for longer distances. Promptly unpack and water the tree upon arrival to reduce stress and help restoration.

Tip 6: Acclimatize Step by step: Keep away from speedy publicity to full solar or excessive temperatures after planting. Step by step acclimate the tree to its new atmosphere to reduce transplant shock. Constant watering in the course of the institution part helps wholesome root growth.

Tip 7: Perceive Cultivar Variations: Analysis particular cultivar traits, reminiscent of mature measurement, progress behavior, and variegation patterns, earlier than making a variety. ‘Roseomarginata’ provides distinct pink margins, whereas ‘Tricolor’ displays a broader vary of hues. Choosing the proper cultivar ensures alignment with aesthetic preferences and website circumstances.

Tip 8: Lengthy-Time period Care and Upkeep: Set up a daily watering schedule, particularly throughout dry durations. Mulching across the base of the tree helps retain moisture and suppress weeds. Periodic fertilization and applicable pruning practices additional promote wholesome progress and vibrant foliage.

Adherence to those suggestions maximizes the chance of profitable tri-color beech institution and cultivation. These practices guarantee vibrant foliage, sturdy progress, and sustained decorative worth inside the panorama. Knowledgeable selections and proactive care translate to a thriving tree that enhances its environment for years to come back.

The concluding part provides a last abstract of key takeaways and reinforces the enduring enchantment of the tri-color beech as a hanging panorama addition.

Tri-Coloration Beech for Sale

Buying a tri-color beech represents an funding in enduring panorama magnificence. Cautious consideration of things influencing profitable acquisition, reminiscent of cultivar choice, tree well being, sourcing location, and pricing, ensures a sound funding. Understanding the interaction between these elements empowers knowledgeable selections, aligning aesthetic aspirations with sensible concerns. From researching respected nurseries and on-line retailers to evaluating warranties and ensures, proactive planning is crucial. Moreover, recognizing the significance of correct transport, website preparation, and long-term care ensures the tree’s sustained well being and vibrant coloration show. This complete strategy transforms a easy buy right into a legacy of pure magnificence.

The distinctive variegation of the tri-color beech provides a novel aesthetic contribution to any panorama. Its enduring enchantment lies in its capacity to rework outside areas into vibrant shows of coloration and texture. By way of knowledgeable acquisition and diligent cultivation, this outstanding tree offers lasting enjoyment and enhances property worth. Investing in a tri-color beech is an funding within the enduring magnificence and tranquility of the pure world, enriching the lives of those that respect its distinctive allure for generations to come back.