Introduction
Buxus acutata Friis is a species of evergreen shrub belonging to the Buxaceae family. It is commonly known as the Sharp-leaved boxwood and is mainly found in Africa.
Origin
The Sharp-leaved boxwood plant is native to several countries in Africa, including Cameroon, Congo, Angola, and Gabon. It can be found growing in various habitats, including savannas, forests, and rocky areas.
Common Names
The plant has several common names, including African Boxwood, Sharp-leaved boxwood, and Congo Boxwood. In some regions, it is also referred to as Lowveld boxwood.
Description
The Sharp-leaved boxwood is an evergreen shrub that can grow up to 4 meters tall. Its leaves are dark green, glossy, and have a sharp tip, which distinguishes it from other boxwood species. The bark is smooth and gray. The plant produces small, inconspicuous flowers that are yellow-green in color.
Uses
The Sharp-leaved boxwood is commonly used for ornamental purposes, thanks to its attractive foliage. Its leaves are often used for topiary and hedging, as they are easy to shape and maintain. Additionally, the plant has several medicinal properties and is used in traditional African medicine to treat a variety of ailments, such as stomach ulcers and respiratory infections. Its roots and bark are also used to make a yellow dye.
Light Requirements
Buxus acutata Friis prefers full sunlight to partial shade. It can tolerate shaded areas too, but prolonged shade may affect the plant's growth and appearance. If the plant is kept in a container, it should be placed in a spot where it receives at least six hours of direct sunlight.
Temperature Requirements
The ideal temperature for Buxus acutata Friis is between 50 to 75°F (10 to 24°C). The plant can tolerate a wide range of temperatures, but it should be protected from freezing temperatures. If the temperature drops below 20°F (-6°C), the plant may suffer from frost damage and start to defoliate. On the other hand, if the temperature exceeds 90°F (32°C), it may cause wilting and harm the plant.
Soil Requirements
Buxus acutata Friis grows best in well-drained, moist, and slightly acidic soil. The pH range of the soil should be between 5.0 to 6.5. The soil should be rich in organic matter, and it should not be compacted or heavy. If the soil is too heavy or poorly drained, it can lead to root rot and other fungal diseases. Adding compost or peat moss to the soil can improve the drainage and nutrient content.
Cultivation
Buxus acutata Friis, also referred to as the Narrow-leafed boxwood, is a versatile evergreen shrub that is easy to cultivate. The shrub thrives in well-drained soil and can withstand different climatic conditions as long as it's not extreme. To cultivate this plant, you need to prepare a suitable planting site, preferably with partial shade and well-draining soil. You can plant the shrub in spring, summer, or fall when the soil is moist but not too wet.
Watering Needs
Buxus acutata Friis requires regular watering to grow and remain healthy. Young shrubs require watering frequently, especially during the hotter months, to encourage root development. During the winter, you can reduce watering since the plant is dormant. Ensure the soil is moist but not too wet. Overwatering can lead to root rot and other fungal diseases that can kill the plant.
Fertilization
Regular feeding with a balanced fertilizer helps Buxus acutata Friis to develop a dense and healthy foliage. Fertilize the plant once in the spring and once in the fall, using a slow-release fertilizer. The feeding helps the shrub to produce new growth and remain green throughout the year. However, avoid applying too much fertilizer, which can lead to salt buildup in the soil and cause root damage.
Pruning
Pruning is essential in maintaining the shape and size of Buxus acutata Friis. You should prune the shrub in early spring or late winter before new growth begins with clean and sharp pruning tools. Remove any dead or diseased branches and then trim the remaining to give the shrub a desired shape. You can also prune the plant in the fall to maintain its size and shape. However, avoid pruning the shrub during the hotter months since it can damage the plant and lead to dieback.
Propagation of Buxus acutata Friis
Buxus acutata Friis, commonly known as the sharp-leaved boxwood, is a shrub native to the Andes Mountains in South America. This plant is propagated through various methods, including seeds, cuttings, and layering.
Seed Propagation
Propagation of Buxus acutata Friis through seeds is possible, but it may not be a reliable method due to the plant's slow growth and low germination rate. To propagate the plant through seeds, sow them in a well-draining potting mix and cover them with a thin layer of soil. Keep the soil moist and in a warm, humid environment until the seeds germinate.
Cutting Propagation
Propagation through stem cuttings is a more reliable method for Buxus acutata Friis. Take stem cuttings that are 10-15 cm long and remove the leaves from the lower third of the stem. Dip the end of the cutting in rooting hormone and plant it in a well-draining potting mix. Ensure the soil is moist and keep the cutting in a warm, humid environment until roots develop.
Layering Propagation
Propagation through layering involves pinning down a stem of the plant into the soil and rooting it while still attached to the mother plant. For Buxus acutata Friis, layering can be done in early spring by bending a low stem to the ground and covering it with soil. The tip of the stem should remain above the soil. Keep the soil moist and once roots develop, sever the rooted layer from the mother plant and transplant it to a new pot or location.
Disease and Pest Management for Buxus acutata Friis
Buxus acutata Friis is generally a hardy plant. However, like all plants, it is susceptible to diseases and pest attacks that can damage or even kill it. Proper disease and pest management practices must be put in place for a successful cultivation of this plant. Here are some common diseases and pests that might affect the plant and ways to manage them:
Common Diseases
Blight: Blight is a fungal disease that causes brown or black spots on the leaves, which eventually turn yellow and fall off. To manage this disease, remove the affected leaves and dispose them far away from the plant. Applying fungicides can also be effective in controlling blight.
Leaf Spot: Leaf Spot is a fungal disease that affects the leaves of the Buxus acutata Friis. It causes small black or brown spots on the leaves, which enlarge into irregular patches and may turn yellow. To manage Leaf Spot, remove the affected leaves and dispose them far from the plant. Apply fungicide spray to the plant to control the spread of the disease.
Common Pests
Box Tree Moth: The box tree moth is a common pest that attacks Buxus acutata Friis. The larvae of the moth feed on the leaves of the plant, causing severe damage. To control this pest, you can handpick the larvae or spray the plant with pesticide spray as soon as the pest infestation is detected.
Boxwood Psyllid: Boxwood psyllid is a common pest that attacks the foliage of the Buxus acutata Friis. It causes small blister-like bumps and discoloration on the leaves. To control the pest, you can use insecticidal sprays and prune affected leaves and twigs from the plant and dispose of them away from the plant.
Spider Mites: Spider mites are a common pest that attacks Buxus acutata Friis. They feed on the plant sap, causing yellow leaves and stunted growth. To manage spider mites, you can spray the plant with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
By practicing good cultural management techniques and applying the suggested pest and disease management, your Buxus acutata Friis will remain healthy and productive.
