Origin
Bumelia lanuginosa (Michx.) Pers. var. rigida Gray, commonly known as Woolly Buckthorn, is a flowering plant that belongs to the Sapotaceae family. The plant is native to the southeastern and central parts of the United States, including states like Texas, Mississippi, Louisiana, Oklahoma, and others.
Common Names
The plant is known by different common names such as Woolly Buckthorn, Gum Elastic, Chittamwood, and Ironwood.
Uses
The Woolly Buckthorn has many uses in different industries. The wood from the plant is very hard, heavy and durable, which makes it ideal for tool handles and fence posts. It can also be used to make furniture and veneer. The plant's fruit is edible, although bitter, and can be used to make preserves or eaten fresh. The gum exuded from the plant can be used as a chewing gum or mixed with other substances to produce a rubber-like material. The plant's bark and roots have been used in traditional medicine to treat various ailments.
General Appearance
The Woolly Buckthorn is a small to medium-sized tree that grows up to 30 feet tall and has a spread of about 20 feet. The plant has a tall, straight trunk with a few branches that are often crooked and gnarled. The bark of the plant is rough, grayish-brown, and deeply furrowed. The leaves are alternate, simple, and ovate. They are covered in dense, woolly hairs that give the plant its name. The plant's flowers are small and inconspicuous and are followed by round, woody fruits that are about 1 inch in diameter.
In summary, the Woolly Buckthorn is a valuable plant with many uses and benefits. Its hardy nature, coupled with its beautiful foliage, makes it a great landscaping choice. Furthermore, with its medicinal properties and potential use in various industries such as furniture, tool-making, and rubber production, the plant has significant economic benefits to different regions.
Light Requirements
Bumelia lanuginosa (Michx.) Pers. var. rigida Gray typically requires full sunlight to partial shade for optimal growth. In areas where the plant is exposed to hotter temperatures, partial shade is recommended to prevent water loss through transpiration.
Temperature Requirements
The plant variety can tolerate a range of temperatures, including both high and low levels. However, the optimal temperature for growth is between 68°F - 86°F (20°C - 30°C). The lowest temperature that the plant can endure is -5°F (-21°C).
Soil Requirements
Bumelia lanuginosa (Michx.) Pers. var. rigida Gray prefers well-drained soils that are both slightly acidic to basic. It is noted that the plant variety can tolerate slightly saline and alkaline soil conditions. This plant species requires medium to high-fertility soils for optimal growth and development.
Cultivation Methods
Bumelia lanuginosa can be propagated by seeds. However, it is advisable to use cuttings instead, as the seeds can take a long time to germinate. The cuttings should be taken in the late spring or early summer, when the plant is actively growing. They should be about 4-6 inches long, and dipped in rooting hormone before being planted in well-draining soil. The plant prefers full sun, but can tolerate partial shade.
Watering Needs
The Bumelia lanuginosa plant requires moderate watering, especially in the first year of growth. The soil should be kept slightly moist, but not waterlogged. During the hot summer months, the plant may require more frequent watering.
Fertilization
Fertilization is not necessary for Bumelia lanuginosa, as the plant is adapted to grow in poor soils. However, a light application of balanced fertilizer in the early spring can be beneficial for the plant's growth and overall health.
Pruning
Bumelia lanuginosa requires minimal pruning, as the plant has a naturally upright and compact growth habit. However, if necessary, the plant can be lightly pruned in the late winter to remove any dead or damaged branches. Pruning can also be done to shape the plant and encourage bushier growth.
Propagation methods for Bumelia lanuginosa (Michx.) Pers. var. rigida Gray
Bumelia lanuginosa (Michx.) Pers. var. rigida Gray, commonly known as woollybucket bumelia or gum bumelia, is a small tree or shrub that is native to the southeastern United States. It is drought-tolerant and can grow in a range of soil types, making it a popular choice for landscaping and restoration projects.
There are several methods for propagating Bumelia lanuginosa, including seed propagation, cuttings, and layering.
Seed propagation
Seed propagation is the most common method for propagating Bumelia lanuginosa. Seeds can be collected from mature fruits in the fall and winter. After collection, the seeds should be cleaned and stored in a cool, dry place until planting. Seeds are typically sown in the spring, after the threat of frost has passed. They can be directly sown in the ground or started indoors in pots.
When planting the seeds, it is important to use a well-draining soil mix and to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Germination can take several weeks to several months, and seedlings should be monitored closely for signs of disease or pests.
Cuttings
Bumelia lanuginosa can also be propagated from cuttings taken from mature trees or shrubs. Cuttings should be taken in the fall, after the leaves have dropped, from the previous season's growth. The cutting should include a few nodes and be 4-6 inches long.
After taking the cutting, it should be treated with rooting hormone and planted in a well-draining soil mix. The cutting should be kept moist and shaded until new growth appears.
Layering
Layering is another propagation method that can be used for Bumelia lanuginosa. This method involves bending a low-growing branch to the ground and covering it with soil. The portion of the branch that is covered with soil will develop roots and can be cut from the parent plant and transplanted.
Layering is typically done in the fall, and the newly propagated plant should be monitored closely for the first few months to ensure it establishes itself successfully.
Disease Management
Bumelia lanuginosa (Michx.) Pers. var. rigida Gray is generally a healthy plant, but it is susceptible to certain diseases. Common diseases that might affect the plant include:
- Leaf spot: This is a fungal disease that causes small, circular spots on the leaves. These spots can lead to defoliation and reduced plant vigor. To manage this disease, remove and destroy infected leaves, and avoid overhead irrigation.
- Anthracnose: This is another fungal disease that causes dark, sunken lesions on the leaves, stems, and fruit. To manage this disease, prune infected plant parts, improve air circulation around the plants, and avoid overhead watering.
- Root rot: This is a fungal disease that affects the roots, causing them to become soft and discolored. To manage this disease, avoid overwatering the plants, improve soil drainage, and remove and destroy infected plants.
Pest Management
Bumelia lanuginosa (Michx.) Pers. var. rigida Gray is also susceptible to certain pests. Common pests that might affect the plant include:
- Spider mites: These pests suck sap from the leaves, causing them to yellow and become distorted. To manage spider mites, blast the plants with water to remove the pests, improve air circulation around the plants, and use insecticidal soap or neem oil if the infestation is severe.
- Caterpillars: These pests can defoliate the plant, causing reduced plant vigor. To manage caterpillars, handpick them from the plants, apply Bacillus thuringiensis (BT) if the infestation is severe, and avoid planting close to host plants.
- Scale insects: These pests feed on the sap of the plant, causing yellowing and wilting of the leaves. To manage scale insects, prune and destroy infected plant parts, improve air circulation around the plants, and use insecticidal soap or neem oil if the infestation is severe.
