Overview
Buxus acuminata, also known as Gilg & Hutch. Boxwood, is a species of evergreen shrub that belongs to the Buxaceae family. It is native to tropical Africa and grows in countries like Cameroon, Gabon, and Nigeria. This plant has multiple common names such as African Boxwood, Kamassi, and West African Boxwood.
Appearance
Buxus acuminata is a small shrub that grows up to 6 meters in height. The leaves of this plant are leathery and elliptical, which can be up to 6 cm long and 2.5 cm wide. The foliage of Buxus acuminata is dark green and glossy, which adds a touch of elegance to any landscape. The bark of this plant is smooth and grey. The flowers of Buxus acuminata are small and inconspicuous, which bloom in early summer. The fruits that form after the flowers are bright green capsules that contain three brown seeds.
Uses
Buxus acuminata has virtues that are not only ornamental but also therapeutic. The wood of this plant is used to make tools, furniture, and carvings. In traditional African medicine, the leaves of Buxus acuminata have been used to treat diseases like malaria, fever, and dysentery. The leaves of this plant contain alkaloids and tannins that possess astringent, antimalarial, and antidiarrheal properties. In landscaping, Buxus acuminata is used as a hedge plant or topiary due to its dense growth and compact nature.
Cultivation
Buxus acuminata prefers well-drained soils with a pH ranging from 6.5-7.5. This plant can tolerate partial shade but grows well in full sun. Buxus acuminata can be propagated through seed or cuttings. The seeds of this plant should be soaked in water for at least 24 hours before sowing. The cuttings should be taken from the current year's growth and treated with rooting hormone to promote rooting. Proper pruning should be done to maintain the desired shape and size of the plant.
Conclusion
Buxus acuminata is an attractive shrub that is versatile in its uses. Whether it is for medicinal purposes, religious rituals, or landscaping, this plant has something to offer. The compact and dense foliage of Buxus acuminata adds a touch of elegance to any landscape and is perfect for hedging and shaping. The medicinal properties of this plant make it a valuable resource in traditional African medicine.
Growth Conditions of Buxus acuminata (Gilg) Hutch.
Buxus acuminata is an evergreen shrub or small tree found in East Africa, particularly in Kenya, Tanzania, and Ethiopia. It requires specific growth conditions that are typical of its natural habitat. The following elements play a vital role in the growth and development of Buxus acuminata:
Light Requirements
Light is a crucial factor for the growth of Buxus acuminata. It prefers partial to full shade conditions and cannot tolerate direct sunlight. That is why it is commonly found in the understory of forests, growing under the shade of taller trees. Therefore, it is necessary to provide filtered light to the plant for healthy growth.
Temperature Requirements
Temperature also plays a significant role in the growth of Buxus acuminata. It prefers a moderate to cool climate and temperatures ranging from 15°C to 25°C (59°F to 77°F) throughout the year. The plant can tolerate occasional frost but not prolonged exposure to extreme cold. It is best suited to the USDA hardiness zones 9 to 11.
Soil Requirements
Buxus acuminata prefers well-draining, slightly acidic to neutral soil. It can grow in a wide range of soil types, such as loams, sandy soils, and clay loams. The ideal pH for the plant is between 5.5 and 7.0. Additionally, the soil should be rich in organic matter and have good water retention capacity, as the plant does not tolerate dry conditions or waterlogged soil.
Overall, providing the right growing conditions to Buxus acuminata is crucial for its healthy growth and development. Proper light, temperature, and soil conditions ensure that the plant remains disease-free and produces dense foliage, making it an ideal choice for hedges, topiary, or small trees in gardens and landscaping projects.
Cultivation
Buxus acuminata is a slow-growing evergreen shrub that thrives in warm and temperate regions. It prefers well-draining soils with a pH range of 4.5 to 7.5. Plant it in an area with partial or full shade, as excessive sunlight and heat can damage the plant.
The best time to plant Buxus acuminata is during the spring or fall, as these seasons offer moderate temperatures and sufficient rainfall. It is advisable to dig a hole that is twice the size of the root ball and plant it at the same soil depth as it was in the original container. Water the plant after planting.
Watering Needs
Young Buxus acuminata plants require regular watering until they establish a strong root system. It is advisable to water them at least once a week, and more frequently during hot and dry spells. Ensure that the soil is moist to a depth of at least one inch each time you water the plant.
Once the plant is established, you can reduce the frequency of watering to once every two weeks or whenever the soil dries out. Water the plant deeply to encourage deeper root growth and drought tolerance.
Fertilization
Buxus acuminata will benefit greatly from an annual application of fertilizer in the early spring. Use a balanced fertilizer with a 10-10-10 ratio, and apply it around the base of the plant. Water the plant thoroughly after fertilization.
To maintain healthy growth, you may also use a slow-release fertilizer during the growing season, according to the manufacturer's recommended application instructions.
Pruning
Buxus acuminata responds well to pruning, which encourages bushier growth and a neater appearance. It is best to prune the plant during the early spring before new growth appears. Use sanitized pruning shears to remove any dead or damaged branches and to shape the plant as desired.
When pruning, ensure that you cut back to a growth node, as cutting back to bare wood may not regrow. Avoid pruning during hot and dry spells, as this may stress the plant.
Propagation of Buxus acuminata (Gilg) Hutch.
Buxus acuminata (Gilg) Hutch. can be propagated through various methods such as seed propagation, cuttings, and grafting.
Propagation by Seeds
Propagation by seeds is a natural way of propagation, and it requires the collection of seeds from a healthy parent plant. After collecting the seeds, they can be sown in a well-prepared nursery bed after removing the fleshy aril surrounding the seeds. The nursery bed should be well drained, and the seedlings should be sheltered from direct sunlight. Within 2-3 weeks, the seeds will germinate, and the seedlings can be transplanted into bigger containers or directly to the field after attaining a height of 15 cm.
Propagation by Cuttings
Buxus acuminata can be propagated easily through stem cuttings obtained from the parent plant. The cuttings should be taken during the rainy season from healthy, disease-free and vigorous parent plants. After taking the cuttings, they should be dipped in rooting hormone powder and planted in well-prepared soil or potting mix. The cuttings should be consistently irrigated, and misting can also be done to increase the humidity level around the cuttings. After a few weeks, roots will develop, and the cuttings can be transplanted to bigger containers or directly to the field.
Propagation by Grafting
Grafting is another method of propagating Buxus acuminata. Grafting involves joining a scion from a parent plant with a rootstock from another plant. The rootstock should be disease-free and compatible with the scion. The grafting process should be carried out during the rainy season, and post-grafting care should be taken to ensure the survival and growth of the grafted plant.
Disease Management
Buxus acuminata, also known as African boxwood, is vulnerable to various diseases caused by fungi and bacteria. Some of the most common diseases that affect this plant species include:
- Boxwood Blight: This is a serious fungal disease that can defoliate and kill boxwoods quickly. The symptoms of this disease include brown spots on leaves, black streaks on stems, stem cankers, and defoliation. To manage boxwood blight, avoid using overhead irrigation, prune affected areas, and clean pruning tools with a 70% alcohol solution after each cut. Additionally, avoid planting in poorly drained soil and always use disease-resistant cultivars.
- Volutella Blight: This is another fungal disease that affects boxwoods and causes brown, circular-shaped cankers on foliage. It can also cause Dieback if left untreated. To manage volutella blight, prune affected areas, clean pruning tools between each cut, and encourage air circulation by removing lower branches. Also, use disease-resistant cultivars and avoid overhead irrigation.
- Root Rot: Root rot is a fungal disease that affects boxwoods growing in poorly drained soil. Symptoms of root rot include wilting, yellowing leaves, and declining growth. Once you notice these symptoms, the best management measure is to remove and destroy any infected plants and avoid planting in the same location.
Pest Management
Besides diseases, Buxus acuminata is also affected by various pests, including:
- Boxwood Mites: Boxwood mites are tiny pests that feed on the sap of boxwoods, causing leaves to turn yellow or bronze. They can also cause severe defoliation if left untreated. To manage boxwood mites, prune out affected areas, use a strong blast of water to dislodge mites, and apply an insecticidal soap or oil if necessary.
- Boxwood Leafminer: The boxwood leafminer is a fly whose larvae feed on the leaves internally, creating brown blotches or mines. These pests can cause severe defoliation if left untreated. To manage boxwood leafminers, prune out affected areas when you notice them, spray insecticidal soap or oil as needed, and use sticky traps to monitor adult fly activity in the spring.
- Boxwood Psyllid: The boxwood psyllid is a tiny insect that feeds on boxwood leaves and produces honeydew, causing black mold growth. This pest can cause defoliation and stunted growth if left untreated. To manage boxwood psyllid, prune out and destroy affected plant parts, apply insecticidal soap or oil if necessary, and encourage natural predators like lady beetles and lacewings.
