Description
Bumelia lanuginosa (Michx.) Pers. ssp. oblongifolia (Nutt.) Cronq., also known as woollybucket bumelia, is a small to medium-sized deciduous tree that belongs to the family Sapotaceae. It is a native plant in North America and is found from Texas to Oklahoma, Missouri, Illinois, and Indiana.
General Appearance
The woollybucket bumelia tree typically grows up to 40 feet tall with a spread of about 20 to 30 feet. It has an upright, oval-shaped crown and a narrow, conical shape in a younger stage. The bark is gray to brown with deep ridges and furrows. The leaves are oblong, about 1 to 3 inches long, and 0.5 to 1 inch wide. They are hairy and slightly glossy, turning yellow in fall before shedding. The flowers are inconspicuous and give way to a small, fleshy fruit about 0.5 inches in diameter.
Common Names
Bumelia lanuginosa (Michx.) Pers. ssp. oblongifolia (Nutt.) Cronq. is commonly known as woollybucket bumelia, chittamwood, gum bully, and woolly buckthorn.
Uses
The woollybucket bumelia tree has several uses. The fruits are eaten by birds, raccoons, opossums, and other wildlife. The wood is hard, heavy, and has a fine grain, making it valuable for tool handles, furniture, and fence posts. The tree is also used for erosion control, as it has a strong root system that helps to stabilize the soil. Medicinally, the bark and leaves of woollybucket bumelia have been used to treat fever, diarrhea, and dysentery, and the seeds are used for coughs and colds.
Light Requirements:
Bumelia lanuginosa (Michx.) Pers. ssp. oblongifolia (Nutt.) Cronq. is a relatively adaptable plant that can grow under both full sun and partial shade. However, it prefers to grow in areas with direct sunlight exposure for at least 6 hours a day.
Temperature Requirements:
This plant species is suitable for hot, arid, and humid climates. It can tolerate high temperatures that range between 90-100 F degrees but may struggle in areas with freezing temperatures. The plant comes from USDA hardiness zones 6b to 9b, where the average minimum temperature ranges between minus 5 and 30 F degrees.
Soil Requirements:
Bumelia lanuginosa (Michx.) Pers. ssp. oblongifolia (Nutt.) Cronq. requires well-draining soils, ranging from moderate to rich in nutrients. Alkaline to slightly acidic soils with a pH level ranging from 7.2-6 is the optimal condition for the plant growth.
It also prefers soils with good aeration and high levels of organic matter. Soggy soils can cause root rot, killing the plant. Sandy loam soils with a high water-holding capacity are ideal for the plant's growth and development.
Cultivation Methods
Bumelia lanuginosa (Michx.) Pers. ssp. oblongifolia (Nutt.) Cronq. is a plant species that can be cultivated both from seeds and cuttings. The ideal time to plant seeds is during the fall, while softwood cuttings should be taken during the summer. It is important to provide well-draining soil for this plant. A sandy loam mixture is suitable for cultivation in areas with adequate drainage, while clay soils can be amended with sand and organic matter.
Watering Needs
Watering Bumelia lanuginosa (Michx.) Pers. ssp. oblongifolia (Nutt.) Cronq. should be done according to its needs. This plant requires moderate watering during its growing season, but too much water can cause root rot. It is important to let the soil dry out partially between waterings to prevent overwatering, which can be harmful to the plant's growth.
Fertilization
Bumelia lanuginosa (Michx.) Pers. ssp. oblongifolia (Nutt.) Cronq. benefits from periodic fertilization to boost its growth. A slow-release fertilizer can be applied in spring and summer to provide the nutrients this plant needs. It is important to follow the manufacturer's instructions for application and not over-fertilize, as this can cause damage to the plant.
Pruning
Pruning Bumelia lanuginosa (Michx.) Pers. ssp. oblongifolia (Nutt.) Cronq. is beneficial to the plant's health and growth. The best time to prune this plant is in early spring before the growing season starts. Dead or damaged branches should be removed to prevent disease from spreading. Additionally, pruning can be done to shape the plant and encourage new growth.
Propagation of Bumelia lanuginosa
Bumelia lanuginosa (Michx.) Pers. ssp. oblongifolia (Nutt.) Cronq., commonly known as the southern buckthorn or woollybucket bumelia, can be propagated through various methods, including seed propagation, stem cuttings, and layering.
Seed propagation
Seed propagation is a common method used to propagate southern buckthorn. The seeds should be collected from the plant's fruit as soon as they are ripe and sown in well-draining soil. A light layer of soil should be sprinkled on top, and daily watering is needed to keep the soil moist until germination occurs. This process can take up to three months, and it is essential to note that the seedlings may not resemble the parent plant in terms of characteristics.
Stem cuttings
Stem cuttings taken from semi-hardwood can also be used for propagation. Cuttings should be about 4-6 inches long and taken from the plant's current season's growth. The lower leaves should be removed, and the cuttings should be planted in a soil mix consisting of perlite and peat moss. Keeping the soil moist and covered to maintain high humidity levels will help the cuttings root. It can take up to eight weeks for the cuttings to establish roots.
Layering
Layering is another propagation method for southern buckthorn. A low hanging branch can be chosen and bent to the ground, where it should be partially buried in the soil. A small amount of soil cover is required, and after a few weeks, roots will emerge from the buried section. Once roots have been established, the branch can be cut, and the new plant can be transplanted to a new location.
Disease Management for Bumelia lanuginosa (Michx.) Pers. ssp. oblongifolia (Nutt.) Cronq.
Like all plants, Bumelia lanuginosa (Michx.) Pers. ssp. oblongifolia (Nutt.) Cronq. can also be affected by various diseases. Some of the common diseases that affect this plant are:
- Anthracnose: This fungal disease affects the leaves of the plant causing them to develop brown or black spots with yellow halos. It can also lead to defoliation. To manage anthracnose, prune the affected branches and destroy them. You can also use fungicides.
- Canker: This is a fungal disease that causes sunken, round or oval-shaped spots on the bark of the plant. The spots can also ooze sap. Prune the affected branches and destroy them. Use fungicides as a control measure.
- Leaf spots: Leaf spots are caused by different fungi. Symptoms include tiny, round or oval-shaped spots or lesions on the leaves. The spots can also have different colors (brown, black, or gray), with yellow halos. To control leaf spots, prune the affected branches, destroy them, and use fungicides.
Pest Management for Bumelia lanuginosa (Michx.) Pers. ssp. oblongifolia (Nutt.) Cronq.
Bumelia lanuginosa (Michx.) Pers. ssp. oblongifolia (Nutt.) Cronq. can also be infested by a variety of pests. Some of the common pests that might affect this plant are:
- Aphids: These are tiny insects that suck the sap from the leaves of the plant, causing them to yellow and curl. To control aphids, use insecticides or insecticidal soap.
- Scale insects: Scale insects attach themselves to the leaves and stems of the plant, sucking the sap. They can also cause the leaves to yellow and drop. To control scale insects, prune the affected branches and destroy them. You can also use horticultural oils.
- Spider mites: Spider mites are tiny insects that feed on the leaves, causing them to look yellow and have a bronzed appearance. To control spider mites, use insecticides or a soap solution.
