Overview of Bumelia lanuginosa
Bumelia lanuginosa (Michx.) Pers. ssp. rigida (Gray) Cronq. is a species of tree that belongs to the plant family Sapotaceae. It is commonly known as woollybucket bumelia, woolly bucket-tree, chittamwood, gum elastic, or gum bumelia.
Origin
Bumelia lanuginosa is native to the southern United States, including Texas, Oklahoma, Louisiana, and Arkansas.
General Appearance
The tree can grow up to 50 feet tall and has a rounded crown with a short trunk. Its leaves are elliptical and can be up to 3 inches long and hairy, with a dark green appearance on the upper surface and lighter underneath. The bark is typically grey and has deep grooves. The tree has small, greenish-white flowers that bloom in spring, and its fruit is a drupe that is yellow-orange when ripe and contains one dark brown seed.
Uses
Indigenous people have used Bumelia lanuginosa for medicinal purposes, including as a treatment for stomach pain and fever. The tree's wood is hard and durable and is often used for fence posts and tool handles. The fruit of the tree is edible and is used to make jelly, while the resin-like sap can be used as a substitute for gum arabic. Bumelia lanuginosa is also used as a landscaping tree due to its attractive appearance and durability.
Light Requirements
Bumelia lanuginosa (Michx.) Pers. ssp. rigida (Gray) Cronq. typically prefers full sun to partial shade. It can tolerate some shade but requires at least 4 hours of direct sunlight per day for healthy growth.
Temperature Requirements
This species can grow in a wide range of temperatures. However, it prefers warm temperate to subtropical conditions and can tolerate occasional frost. The optimal temperature range for growth is between 20°C to 30°C, though it can survive temperatures as high as 38°C.
Soil Requirements
Bumelia lanuginosa (Michx.) Pers. ssp. rigida (Gray) Cronq. prefers well-drained soils that are slightly acidic to alkaline with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.5. It can also tolerate sandy, loamy, and gravelly soils. However, it is intolerant of waterlogged soils and can suffer root damage if left in water for extended periods.
Cultivation Methods
Bumelia lanuginosa (Michx.) Pers. ssp. rigida (Gray) Cronq. is a hardy plant that is relatively easy to cultivate. It prefers full sunlight but can also grow in partial shade. The plant can tolerate a wide range of soil types, but it grows best in well-draining, sandy soils. The plant can also tolerate drought conditions once established. Propagation of the plant can be done by seed or cuttings. Seeds should be planted in the early spring, while cuttings can be taken in the late summer.Watering Needs
Bumelia lanuginosa (Michx.) Pers. ssp. rigida (Gray) Cronq. requires moderate watering during its initial growth stage. Once established, the plant can tolerate periods of drought. However, during extended drought conditions, the plant may need to be watered to prevent stress. When watering, ensure the soil is moist but not waterlogged. Overwatering can cause root rot, which can be fatal to the plant.Fertilization
Bumelia lanuginosa (Michx.) Pers. ssp. rigida (Gray) Cronq. does not need frequent fertilization. A once-yearly application of a slow-release, balanced fertilizer in the early spring can provide the plant with adequate nutrition.Pruning
Pruning of Bumelia lanuginosa (Michx.) Pers. ssp. rigida (Gray) Cronq. should be done in the late winter or early spring, before new growth emerges. The plant should be pruned to remove dead or damaged branches and to shape the plant's overall structure. While the plant does not require extensive pruning, it can benefit from occasional light pruning to promote dense, compact growth. Avoid pruning during the summer or early fall, as this can stimulate new growth that is vulnerable to frost damage.Propagation of Bumelia lanuginosa subspecies rigida
Bumelia lanuginosa subspecies rigida, commonly known as woollybucket bumelia or gum bumelia, is a deciduous tree that belongs to the Sapotaceae family. It is native to the southeastern and central United States, where it grows in dry, sandy soils.
Propagation by Seed
The usual propagation method for B. lanuginosa ssp. rigida is by seed. The best time to collect the seed is in late fall when the fruit has fully ripened and turned black. Once collected, the seed requires no pretreatment and can be stored in a cool and dry place until it is ready to be sown.
The seed should be sown in the fall or early spring when temperatures are starting to rise. It should be planted in well-drained soil that has been loosened and raked to provide a smooth surface. The seed should be sown shallowly, no more than 0.5 inches deep, and the soil should be kept consistently moist until germination occurs, which can take up to two months.
Propagation by Cuttings
B. lanuginosa ssp. rigida can also be propagated by cuttings taken from mature plants. The best time to take cuttings is in the spring, just before the tree begins to grow. Semi-hardwood cuttings that are 4-6 inches long should be taken from the tips of the tree's new growth, and the lower leaves should be removed to reduce moisture loss.
The cuttings should be placed in a well-draining rooting medium, such as perlite or sand, and kept moist but not waterlogged. Covering them with a clear or translucent plastic bag can help to maintain humidity levels and improve the chances of rooting. The cuttings should be kept in a warm, bright location but out of direct sunlight.
Rooting may take up to several months, and once the cuttings have developed roots, they should be transplanted into individual containers with potting soil and gradually acclimated to more sunlight and less humidity until they are ready to be planted in their permanent location.
Disease Management
Bumelia lanuginosa (Michx.) Pers. ssp. rigida (Gray) Cronq. is susceptible to some diseases that may harm its growth and yield. Here are some common diseases and ways to manage them:
- Leaf spot: This disease causes brown spots on the leaves, which may result in defoliation. To manage leaf spot, remove infected plant parts, and applying a fungicide is recommended.
- Anthracnose: Anthracnose causes small, circular or irregularly shaped brown or black spots on stems and leaves. It can affect growth and production. Fungicides help control Anthracnose.
- Root rot: This disease causes root decay and stunted growth. To manage root rot, healthy plants should be transplanted in well-draining soil and avoid over-watering. Fungicides can also help control severe infections.
Pest Management
Bumelia lanuginosa (Michx.) Pers. ssp. rigida (Gray) Cronq. can also be attacked by pests that cause significant damage to the plant. Here are some common pests and ways to manage them:
- Spider mites: These tiny pests feed on plant sap and can cause discoloration and defoliation. They are controlled by periodically spraying water on the plant or applying a pesticide if necessary.
- Scale insects: Scale insects latch onto the plant and suck sap, resulting in yellowing and stunted growth. They can be removed physically or with the use of insecticides.
- Caterpillars: These pests feed on foliage and can cause defoliation. They can be controlled by physically removing them from the plant or spraying insecticides.
