Origin and Common Names
Buchnera multicaulis Engl. var. grandifolia Norl. is an endemic species to the Philippines where it is commonly known as "Malatabako," "Catmon," and "Batikuling." The plant is mainly found in primary lowland rainforests and secondary forests of the Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao regions.
General Appearance
Buchnera multicaulis Engl. var. grandifolia Norl. is a medium-sized tree that can grow up to 25 meters in height and 70 cm in diameter. This plant species has a straight bole and a smooth, grayish-brown bark that peels off in flakes. Its leaves are simple, opposite, and elliptical in shape, with a length of 10-20 cm and a width of 3-8 cm. The leaves have a glossy dark green upper surface and a lighter green underside. Buchnera multicaulis Engl. var. grandifolia Norl. produces small yellow-green flowers that grow in clusters and are followed by small fruits that turn from green to brown when mature.
Uses
Buchnera multicaulis Engl. var. grandifolia Norl. is widely used in traditional medicine for various ailments, including diarrhea, fever, dysentery, and cough. The bark and leaves of the Malatabako tree are boiled and consumed as a tea or decoction. The plant's bark is also used for its astringent properties and is applied externally for treating skin wounds, rashes, and itching. The wood of the tree is used in construction as it is durable and termite-resistant.
In summary, Buchnera multicaulis Engl. var. grandifolia Norl. is an endemic tree species found in the Philippines. It is commonly known as "Malatabako," "Catmon," and "Batikuling." The plant has a straight bole, grayish-brown bark, elliptical glossy dark green leaves, small yellow-green flowers, and small fruits. It is used in traditional medicine for treating various ailments, and its wood is utilized in construction.Growth conditions for Buchnera multicaulis Engl. var. grandifolia Norl.
Light: Buchnera multicaulis Engl. var. grandifolia Norl. prefers bright, indirect sunlight. It can tolerate partial shade but does poorly in full shade. Direct sunlight may scorch its leaves and stunt its growth.
Temperature: This plant prefers warm temperatures between 70°F to 85°F (21°C to 29°C). It can tolerate slightly cooler temperatures, but cold drafts or temperature fluctuations may damage its leaves and slow its growth.
Soil: For best growth, Buchnera multicaulis Engl. var. grandifolia Norl. needs well-draining soil that's rich in humus. It prefers soil with a pH range between 5.5 to 6.5. You can add organic matter to improve soil texture and fertility.
Water: This plant needs regular watering to keep its soil evenly moist. However, it's essential not to overwater it, as this may lead to root rot and other fungal diseases. The frequency of watering depends on factors such as temperature, humidity, and soil type.
Fertilizer: Buchnera multicaulis Engl. var. grandifolia Norl. benefits from regular feeding during the growing season. You can use a balanced fertilizer with a ratio of 10-10-10 or 20-20-20. Always follow the label instructions and avoid overfertilizing, which can damage the roots.
Humidity: This plant prefers higher humidity levels, so you can mist its leaves occasionally or place a tray with rocks and water beneath it to increase moisture in the air.
Propagation: You can propagate Buchnera multicaulis Engl. var. grandifolia Norl. through stem cuttings or division of the parent plant. It's best to do so during the growing season in a warm, humid environment.
Cultivation
Buchnera multicaulis Engl. var. grandifolia Norl. requires a well-draining soil mixture that retains moisture without being waterlogged. The plant thrives in warm temperatures and can tolerate full sunlight, but it is better to provide partial shade in extremely hot weather. Buchnera multicaulis Engl. var. grandifolia Norl. can also withstand cold temperatures, but consistently low temperatures can cause damage or die-back of the plant, particularly during the dormant period.
Watering Needs
Buchnera multicaulis Engl. var. grandifolia Norl. requires moderate watering, with the soil remaining slightly moist throughout the growth season. Check the soil every two to three days and water if dry. During hot weather, the plant may require additional watering to prevent the soil from drying out. During dormancy, reduce watering to avoid waterlogging, which can lead to root rot.
Fertilization
Buchnera multicaulis Engl. var. grandifolia Norl. benefits from regular fertilization using a balanced, slow-release fertilizer during the growing season. Fertilize the plant every four to six weeks, following the package's instructions. Avoid overfertilizing, which can cause damage to the roots and foliage.
Pruning
Buchnera multicaulis Engl. var. grandifolia Norl. requires occasional pruning to remove dead or damaged branches and to promote bushier growth. Prune the plant during the dormant period before new growth appears. Avoid heavy pruning during the growing season, as this can cause reduced blooming and stunted growth. Trim the plant to control its size and shape, maintaining a balanced appearance.
Propagation methods of Buchnera multicaulis Engl. var. grandifolia Norl.
The Buchnera multicaulis Engl. var. grandifolia Norl. is a herbaceous plant that belongs to the family Scrophulariaceae. This plant is commonly propagated through the following methods:
Seed propagation
Seeds of Buchnera multicaulis Engl. var. grandifolia Norl. can be sown directly in the soil. The best time to sow seeds is in early spring when the soil has warmed up. The seeds should be sown shallowly, just below the surface of the soil. They need sunlight to germinate. The seeds take around 2-3 weeks to germinate. After germination, the seedlings should be thinned out to 6-8 inches apart.
Cuttings propagation
Buchnera multicaulis Engl. var. grandifolia Norl. can also be propagated through cuttings. Cuttings should be taken from the mother plant in early spring when the plant is actively growing. The cuttings should be about 4-6 inches long and should have a few leaves attached to them. They should be planted in a well-draining potting mix and kept in a warm and bright area. The cuttings will root in about 4-6 weeks.
Division propagation
Buchnera multicaulis Engl. var. grandifolia Norl. can also be propagated through division. The best time to divide the plant is in early spring before new growth starts. The plant should be carefully dug up and divided into smaller clumps, ensuring that each clump has a good root system. The smaller clumps can then be replanted in a well-draining potting mix.
Disease and Pest Management for Buchnera multicaulis Engl. var. grandifolia Norl.
Buchnera multicaulis Engl. var. grandifolia Norl., commonly known as the China blue, is a beautiful flowering plant that is native to China. Like all plants, Buchnera multicaulis can be prone to a range of diseases and pests. To keep your plant healthy and thriving, it's important to be aware of the common diseases and pests that can affect it and take action to prevent and manage them.
Common Diseases
One of the most common diseases that can affect Buchnera multicaulis is powdery mildew. This fungal disease can manifest as a white powdery coating on the leaves of the plant. To prevent powdery mildew, it's important to avoid crowding the plants, and to ensure that they have sufficient airflow. If you notice powdery mildew on your Buchnera multicaulis, remove affected leaves, increase ventilation and lower humidity levels around the plant. It's also recommended to treat the plant with a fungicide.
Another potential disease issue is root rot, which is caused by overwatering and poorly draining soil. This disease can cause the plant's leaves to yellow and wilt, and the roots to turn brown and mushy. To prevent root rot, make sure that the soil is well-draining and that water doesn't accumulate in the pot's saucer.
Common Pests
One of the most common pests that can infect Buchnera multicaulis is spider mites. Spider mites are tiny insects that suck the sap from the plant's leaves, causing them to turn yellow and fall off. To prevent spider mites, regularly mist your plant's foliage to increase humidity levels and avoid overfertilization which can weaken the plant. If you notice spider mites on your plant, remove affected leaves, and treat the plant with a miticide.
Another potential pest issue is whiteflies. These tiny insects can cause significant damage to the plant's foliage by sucking the sap from the leaves and spreading disease. To prevent whiteflies, introduce beneficial insects like ladybugs, or treat the plant with a systemic insecticide.
Overall, the key to preventing and managing diseases and pests in Buchnera multicaulis is to maintain good cultural practices, like keeping the soil well-drained and avoiding overwatering, fertilizing at the appropriate intervals and control light pollution. By providing your plant with the right conditions, you can keep it healthy and thriving while minimizing the risks of disease and pest infestation.
