Plant Description:
Bolusanthus speciosus, commonly known as Bolus, is an evergreen tree in the Fabaceae family. The tree can grow up to 10m tall and has a round-shaped crown with a spreading and slightly drooping branch system. Bolusanthus speciosus has a dark and rough bark with grey fissures. The plant has a deep root system which helps it to tolerate low rainfall and drought conditions.
Origin:
Bolusanthus speciosus is native to southern Africa and can be found in various countries including South Africa, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, and Swaziland. It is also commonly found in the Kruger National Park in South Africa.
Common Names:
Bolusanthus speciosus is commonly known by different names across different regions, some of which include;
- Tree Wisteria
- Sausage Tree
- Bubblegum Tree
- Pink Jacaranda
Uses:
Bolusanthus speciosus is primarily used as an ornamental plant in gardens and public areas due to its beautiful flowers, spreading canopy, and unique presentation. The tree produces clusters of fragrant, pea-like flowers which vary in color from pink to lavender, and these are a great attraction to birds, especially bees, which help with pollination. Additionally, parts of the tree, including the bark, root, and leaves, have been traditionally used in African herbal medicine to treat various ailments. The bark is commonly used as a laxative, while the infusion of leaves is used to help treat rheumatic conditions and skin problems.
Growth Conditions for Bolusanthus speciosus (Bolus) Harms
Bolusanthus speciosus, commonly known as the Pride of De Kaap, is a small deciduous tree that is native to South Africa. It is a member of the Fabaceae family and is widely cultivated for its beautiful blue flowers. To grow this plant successfully, it is important to consider the following growth conditions:
Light
Bolusanthus speciosus requires full sun to partial shade to thrive. It prefers at least 4-6 hours of direct sunlight each day, which is necessary for the plant to produce its beautiful blue flowers. In areas with very hot and dry summers, it is advisable to provide some shade during the hottest part of the day to avoid sunburn and dehydration of the plant.
Temperature
Bolusanthus speciosus is tolerant of a range of temperatures but prefers a mild to warm climate. The plant can tolerate cold temperatures down to about 10°F (-12°C), but it is advisable to protect it from frost. In areas with particularly cold winters, it may be necessary to cover the plant with some form of protection like a frost cloth or blanket.
Soil
The plant prefers well-draining soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH range. It grows best in soil that is rich in organic matter and has good water-holding capacity. Bolusanthus speciosus also has a moderate tolerance to salt and can grow in soils with moderate salinity levels. It is important to water the plant regularly, particularly during the hot and dry summer months.
Cultivation Methods
To cultivate Bolusanthus speciosus successfully, start by planting it in a well-draining soil mixture in a sunny location that gets plenty of light. Bolusanthus speciosus is a hardy plant that can tolerate mild frost and heat conditions. In general, it is easy to grow and requires minimal care once established.Watering Needs
Water the plant regularly during its active growing season and keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Avoid overwatering as it can lead to root rot. During the winter months, reduce watering to allow the plant to go into its dormant phase.Fertilization
Bolusanthus speciosus does not require frequent fertilization, but adding compost or a balanced fertilizer during the growing season can help promote healthy growth and flowering. Avoid fertilizer application during the winter months when the plant is dormant.Pruning
Bolusanthus speciosus benefits from regular pruning to maintain its shape and improve its overall appearance. Prune the plant during the late winter or early spring before new growth appears. Remove any damaged or diseased branches and deadhead spent flowers to encourage the plant to produce more blooms. During the growing season, pinch back the tips of the stems to promote bushier growth.Propagation of Bolusanthus speciosus (Bolus) Harms
Bolusanthus speciosus (Bolus) Harms, commonly known as the Tree Wisteria or Vanwykshout in Afrikaans, is a deciduous tree that belongs to the Fabaceae family. The plant is endemic to South Africa and Botswana, and it typically grows up to 10 meters in height.
The plant can be propagated through several methods, including seeds, cuttings, and grafting.
Propagation by Seeds
Propagation by seeds is one of the easiest methods of multiplying Bolusanthus speciosus. The seeds can be collected during the fall season when the pods are dry and brown. The seeds should be soaked in water overnight before planting them in a seed-raising mix. The seeds should be kept moist and warm until they germinate. It may take up to two months for the seeds to germinate. Once the plants have developed a few leaves, they can be transplanted into individual pots.
Propagation by Cuttings
Propagation by cuttings is a popular method used to propagate Bolusanthus speciosus. The best time to take cuttings is during the early spring season. Cuttings that are 10 to 15 cm long should be taken from the current year's growth. The cuttings should be treated with a rooting hormone before planting them in a well-drained potting mix. The cuttings should be kept moist and in a warm spot until they start to develop roots. Once the roots have formed, the young plants can be transplanted into individual pots.
Propagation by Grafting
Propagation by grafting is a more advanced method used to propagate Bolusanthus speciosus. The plant can be grafted onto a compatible rootstock to create a clone of the original plant. The best time to graft Bolusanthus speciosus is during the early spring season. The scion and the rootstock should be of the same diameter to ensure a successful graft. The graft should then be covered with a grafting compound and kept in a warm spot until the union has formed. Once the graft has taken, the young plant can be transplanted into its permanent location.
Disease Management
The Bolusanthus Speciosus or the Tree Wisteria is known for its hardiness and tolerance to various growing conditions. However, they are not entirely immune to diseases. The most common diseases that affect this plant are root rot, leaf spot, powdery mildew, and canker diseases.
To manage root rot, it is recommended to avoid overwatering the plants. Proper drainage is essential, and adding organic matter to the soil can improve soil aeration and promote root growth. Leaves that have been affected by leaf spot should be removed and destroyed to prevent the spread of the disease. Spraying the plant with a fungicide can also help manage this issue. Powdery mildew can be managed by increasing air circulation around the plant and applying neem oil or horticultural oil as a fungicide. Canker diseases should be managed by pruning the affected area and applying fungicide to the wound.
Pest Management
The Bolusanthus speciosus is generally not affected by pests. However, some pests may become a problem if not managed properly. The most common pests that can affect the plant include aphids, spider mites, and caterpillars.
Aphids can be managed by spraying the plant with water to remove them from the plant, or by using insecticidal soap or neem oil. Spider mites can be managed by increasing humidity levels around the plant and using insecticidal soap or neem oil. Caterpillars can be managed by handpicking them or using bacillus thuringiensis (BT) as a biological insecticide.
