Overview:
Bumelia celastrina Kunth var. angustifolia (Nutt.) R.W. Long is a deciduous flowering plant species belonging to the plant family Sapotaceae. This species is commonly known as Carolina Buckthorn and Narrowleaf Buckthorn. It is native to western Texas and central Mexico.
Appearance:
Carolina Buckthorn is a bushy plant that can grow up to 10 feet tall. Its branches are slender and covered in smooth, gray bark. The leaves of this plant are narrow, elongated, and pointed, measuring about 2 inches in length and 0.5 inches in width. The leaves are dark green in color and have a glossy texture. This species produces small, white-colored flowers that bloom in early summer. The flowers of this plant develop into small, round fruits that are black in color when mature.
Uses:
Carolina Buckthorn has been traditionally used by Native Americans to treat various health conditions, including constipation, fever, and inflammation. The bark of this tree was also used to make rope and baskets. Although this species is not commonly used in modern medicine, recent studies have shown that it contains compounds that may have anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties.
This plant species is cultivated as an ornamental plant in gardens and parks. Its striking appearance and small size make it an ideal plant for landscaping. It is also a great source of food for birds that feed on its fruits.
Growth Conditions for Bumelia celastrina Kunth var. angustifolia (Nutt.) R.W. Long
Light: Bumelia celastrina Kunth var. angustifolia (Nutt.) R.W. Long is best grown in full sun to partial shade. It requires at least six hours of direct sunlight each day.
Temperature: This plant is generally hardy in USDA zones 3-9. It can tolerate cold temperatures as low as -30°F (-34°C) and hot summers with temperatures up to 95°F (35°C).
Soil: Bumelia celastrina Kunth var. angustifolia (Nutt.) R.W. Long prefers well-draining soil with a pH between 5.5 and 7.5. Sandy or loamy soil is ideal. Avoid heavy clay soils that do not drain well.
Water: This plant has moderate water requirements. During establishment, it should be watered deeply once a week. Once established, it only needs to be watered during extended periods of drought or when the soil feels dry to the touch.
Fertilizer: Bumelia celastrina Kunth var. angustifolia (Nutt.) R.W. Long does not require fertilizer to grow well as long as it is planted in nutrient-rich soil. However, if the plant shows signs of nutrient deficiencies, a slow-release fertilizer with a balanced NPK ratio can be used.
Pruning: This plant does not require pruning but it can be pruned in early spring to shape. Dead or broken branches should be removed as needed.
Pests and Diseases: Bumelia celastrina Kunth var. angustifolia (Nutt.) R.W. Long is generally not prone to pests or diseases. However, it can be susceptible to root rot if the soil is kept too wet. Proper drainage is crucial to prevent this problem.
Cultivation Methods
Plant Bumelia celastrina Kunth var. angustifolia (Nutt.) R.W. Long in well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. The plant prefers slightly acidic soil but can tolerate mildly alkaline soil. Choose a location that receives full sun or partial shade, and ensure that the plant has enough space to reach its mature size without being crowded.
Watering Needs
Soil moisture is critical during the establishment phase, which usually lasts between two and three years. The plant will need regular watering during dry spells, but do not overwater it as it can lead to root rot. Once established, the plant is drought-tolerant and can tolerate short periods of dryness.
Fertilization
Use a slow-release fertilizer that is high in nitrogen during the growing season to promote lush, green foliage growth. Avoid fertilizing the plant during the dormant season, which is usually in winter. Use a balanced fertilizer in the following spring to encourage flowering the next season.
Pruning
Bumelia celastrina Kunth var. angustifolia (Nutt.) R.W. Long typically requires little pruning unless you want to control its size. If you need to prune the plant, do so in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. Remove any dead or damaged branches and trim back the tips of branches as necessary to maintain the desired shape.
Propagation of Bumelia celastrina Kunth var. angustifolia (Nutt.) R.W. Long
Bumelia celastrina Kunth var. angustifolia (Nutt.) R.W. Long, also known as Narrow-leaf Buckthorn, is propagated through seed, cuttings, and grafting.
Seed Propagation
Seeds of Bumelia celastrina Kunth var. angustifolia (Nutt.) R.W. Long can be collected from its fruits in autumn. The seeds should be extracted from the fruits and washed to remove the fleshy part. The seeds can be sown in pots or beds during autumn and left to overwinter. The seedlings will emerge in spring and can be transplanted to their permanent location after a year or two.
Cutting Propagation
Bumelia celastrina Kunth var. angustifolia (Nutt.) R.W. Long can also be propagated through cuttings. Semi-hardwood cuttings should be taken from the plant during late spring or early summer. The cuttings should be dipped in rooting hormone and inserted into pots filled with a mixture of sand and peat moss. The pots should be kept in a shady and humid location until the cuttings root and form new shoots. The new plants can be transplanted to the field after a year or two.
Grafting Propagation
Grafting can also be used to propagate Bumelia celastrina Kunth var. angustifolia (Nutt.) R.W. Long. The rootstock used for grafting should be a compatible species from the same genus, such as Bumelia lycioides, or a closely related genus. The scion should be taken from a mature Bumelia celastrina Kunth var. angustifolia (Nutt.) R.W. Long tree and grafted onto the rootstock during late winter or early spring. The grafted plant should be kept in a moist and protected location until it establishes.
Disease and Pest Management for Bumelia celastrina Kunth var. angustifolia (Nutt.) R.W. Long
Bumelia celastrina Kunth var. angustifolia (Nutt.) R.W. Long, commonly known as a Southern Buckthorn, is known for its hardiness and adaptability, but it can still fall prey to various diseases and pests. Thus, proper disease and pest management are crucial to keep the plant healthy and thriving.
Common Diseases
One of the most common diseases affecting Southern Buckthorn is leaf spot caused by the fungus Mycosphaerella punctiformis. This disease manifests as small, circular brown lesions on the leaves, which can coalesce and eventually cause defoliation. To manage this disease, it is essential to prune and dispose of infected leaves and to ensure adequate air circulation around the plant to prevent moisture buildup.
Anthracnose, caused by the fungus Colletotrichum gleosporioides, is another common disease that affects Southern Buckthorn. This disease manifests as circular or irregularly shaped brown or black spots on the leaves, which can also lead to defoliation. To manage this disease preventively, make sure to water the plant at the base to keep the leaves dry and treat infected plants with fungicides containing copper or chlorothalonil.
Common Pests
The Southern Buckthorn is susceptible to various pests, including aphids, spider mites, and foliar nematodes. Aphids are small, pear-shaped insects that can cause yellowing and wilting of leaves. To manage aphids, prune and dispose of infected areas and spray the remaining parts of the plant with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Spider mites are tiny pests that can cause stippling and yellowing of leaves. To manage spider mites, keep the plant well-watered, prune and dispose of infected areas, and spray the remaining parts of the plant with neem oil or insecticidal soap.
Foliar nematodes are microscopic worms that can cause brown streaks and blotches on the leaves. To manage foliar nematodes, remove and dispose of infected leaves and spray the remaining parts of the plant with a mix of 1 part bleach to 9 parts water.
Overall, proper disease and pest management can help keep Southern Buckthorn healthy and thriving. Early detection and prompt treatment of diseases and pests are crucial to prevent widespread infestations and damage to the plant.
