Overview
Bussea xylocarpa (Sprague) Sprague & Craib is a species of flowering plant in the Rubiaceae family. It is native to Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, and Vietnam.
Common Names
Bussea xylocarpa has several common names including 'mao tam pueng' or 'meo tam pueng' in Thailand which translates to 'host trees of the arrowroot plant,' and 'hai bhoi' in Vietnam.
Appearance
Bussea xylocarpa is a medium-sized evergreen tree that can grow up to 20 meters in height. It has a straight trunk that can measure up to 70 centimeters in diameter, covered in thin, grayish-brown bark. The tree has a spreading canopy with dark green leaves that are oblong and glossy.
The flowers of Bussea xylocarpa are small and white, arranged in cymes that bloom from the axils of the leaves. The fruit of the tree is a cylindrical capsule that is approximately 2.5 cm in length. It contains small, black seeds that are dispersed by wind and water.
Uses
Bussea xylocarpa has several uses in traditional medicine. The bark and leaves of the tree are used to treat diarrhea, fever, and snake bites, while the root is used to combat dysentery.
In addition to its medicinal properties, Bussea xylocarpa is also used for its wood, which is hard and durable, making it ideal for construction and furniture. The tree is also cultivated for erosion control and as an ornamental plant.
Light requirements
Bussea xylocarpa can grow in both full sun and partial shade. However, it prefers partial shade, especially during the hottest period of the day, and exposure to direct sunlight during this time can cause leaf scorching.
Temperature requirements
Bussea xylocarpa prefers a warm, humid climate and can grow well in temperatures ranging from 18°C to 28°C. However, it can withstand temperatures as low as 12°C and as high as 42°C briefly.
Soil requirements
Bussea xylocarpa thrives well in well-drained soils rich in organic matter. It prefers slightly acidic to neutral soils with a pH between 6.0-7.5. The soil should have good water retention capacity but with proper drainage to avoid waterlogging, which can cause root rot. The plant can tolerate a wide variety of soils, including loamy, sandy, and clay soils, but cannot survive in waterlogged or compacted soils.
Cultivation Methods
Bussea xylocarpa, commonly known as the Burmese Ironwood, requires well-draining soil and moderate sunlight to grow. It is frost-tender and cannot tolerate temperatures below 35°F. Therefore, it should be grown in a greenhouse or indoors in colder regions.
The plant can be propagated through seeds or cuttings. To propagate using cuttings, take a semi-hardwood cutting and treat it with rooting hormone. Plant the cutting in a well-draining, loose potting soil mix, and keep it in a shaded area. Keep the soil moderately moist and mist the leaves occasionally. Once the cutting has rooted, it can be transferred to a larger container or the ground.
Watering Needs
Bussea xylocarpa needs to be watered regularly but not excessively. It prefers moist soil but can withstand short periods of drought. When watering, make sure the soil is evenly moist, but not waterlogged. Over-watering can lead to root rot and other problems.
It is advisable to water in the morning to allow the leaves to dry during the day and avoid waterlogging at night. In the winter, reduce watering, and only water enough to keep the soil from drying out completely.
Fertilization
Bussea xylocarpa requires regular fertilization to promote healthy growth and flowering. Fertilize the plant during the growing season, from spring to late summer, using a balanced, slow-release fertilizer with an NPK ratio of 10-10-10 or 20-20-20.
Apply the fertilizer according to the manufacturer's instructions, and make sure not to over-fertilize to avoid burning the roots. Avoid fertilizing in the winter when the plant is dormant.
Pruning
Bussea xylocarpa requires minimal pruning, but it is advisable to remove dead, diseased, or damaged branches to promote healthy growth. Pruning can be done during the growing season or when the plant is dormant in the winter.
When pruning, make sure to use clean, sharp tools to avoid damaging the plant further. Avoid heavy pruning as the plant does not respond well to it and may take a long time to recover. Light pruning is enough to keep the plant looking neat and tidy.
Propagation of Bussea xylocarpa
Bussea xylocarpa (Sprague) Sprague & Craib, commonly known as the "ironwood tree," is a slow-growing species native to Southeast Asia. The plant can be propagated through various methods, including:
Seed Propagation
Seeds of Bussea xylocarpa can be collected from mature fruits that have fallen to the ground. The seeds need to be separated from the pulp, cleaned, and dried before planting. The best time to collect the seeds is during the dry season.
Seeds should be sown in well-draining soil in a shaded spot. The soil pH should be slightly acidic (pH 5.0-6.5), and the soil should be kept moist but not waterlogged. Seed germination can take up to 4-6 weeks, and the seedlings should be protected from strong sunlight and heavy rain.
Cuttings Propagation
Bussea xylocarpa can be propagated through stem cuttings taken from semi-hardwood or hardwood. The cuttings should be about 20-25cm long, with at least 2-3 nodes, and with leaves removed from the lower half of the stem.
The cuttings should be dipped in rooting hormone and planted in a well-draining soil mix of sand and peat moss. The cuttings should be placed under high humidity and protected from direct sunlight. Rooting can take up to 6-8 weeks, and the rooted cuttings can be transplanted to larger pots or directly into the ground.
Air Layering Propagation
Air layering is another propagation method that can be used for Bussea xylocarpa. Select a healthy branch, and remove a ring of bark about 2-3cm wide from the middle of the stem. The exposed area should be treated with rooting hormone, and wrapped with moist sphagnum moss. Cover the moss with plastic wrap and tie both ends securely.
The air layering should be kept under high humidity and indirect light. After about 6-8 weeks, roots will begin to develop from the treated area. Once the roots are about 5-10cm long, the air layering can be cut off and planted in a well-draining soil mix.
Disease and Pest Management for Bussea xylocarpa
Bussea xylocarpa is a tree species that is native to Southeast Asia. While Bussea xylocarpa is relatively resistant to pests and diseases, there are still some issues that can arise. Maintaining good growing conditions is the best way to prevent pests and diseases from attacking this species.
Pests
The most common pests that can affect Bussea xylocarpa are scale insects, mealybugs, spider mites, and caterpillars.
Scale insects are tiny, sap-sucking insects that attach themselves to the leaves and stems of plants. They can cause stunted growth and yellowing of the leaves. To manage a scale insect infestation, use an insecticidal soap or oil spray. Both methods are effective in killing the insects.
Mealybugs are also sap-sucking insects that leave behind a white, waxy substance on the leaves and stems of plants. They can cause yellowing and stunted growth. To manage mealybugs, use an insecticidal soap or oil spray. Alternatively, you can wipe them off with a cotton swab dipped in alcohol.
Spider mites are tiny, spider-like insects that also suck the sap from the leaves of plants. They can cause webbing and yellowing of the leaves. To manage spider mites, use an insecticidal soap or oil spray. Alternatively, you can spray the plant with a strong stream of water to knock them off.
Caterpillars can eat their way through the leaves and stems of plants, causing extensive damage. To manage a caterpillar infestation, use a biological control method such as Bacillus thuringiensis (BT) or spinosad. Both are effective in killing caterpillars without harming beneficial insects.
Diseases
Bussea xylocarpa is susceptible to root rot, leaf spot, and powdery mildew.
Root rot is a fungal disease that attacks the roots of plants. It is usually caused by overwatering or poorly drained soil. To manage root rot, reduce watering and improve soil drainage. You can also apply a fungicide to the soil to prevent the spread of the disease.
Leaf spot is a fungal disease that causes dark spots on the leaves of Bussea xylocarpa. To manage leaf spot, remove any infected leaves and dispose of them. Apply a fungicide to prevent the spread of the disease.
Powdery mildew is a fungal disease that causes a powdery white coating on the leaves of plants. To manage powdery mildew, remove any infected leaves and improve air circulation around the plant. You can also apply a fungicide to prevent the spread of the disease.
