Overview
Buxus benguellensis Gilg var. hirta Hutch. is a species of plant from the family Buxaceae. It is also known by its common names, which include Hairy Bent-box and Angolan Boxwood. This plant is native to Angola and grows in woodlands and forests.
Appearance
Buxus benguellensis Gilg var. hirta Hutch. is a small shrub that can grow up to 2 meters in height. Its leaves are dark green, leathery, and shiny. The leaves are also hairy, which gives the plant its common name "Hairy Bent-box." The flowers of this plant are small and yellowish-green, and they bloom in late spring and early summer. The fruit is a small, woody capsule that contains several small seeds.
Uses
Buxus benguellensis Gilg var. hirta Hutch. is mainly used for ornamental purposes due to its attractive shiny foliage and compact size. It is often used as a hedge plant or as a topiary plant. The wood from this plant is dense and hard, making it suitable for carving and woodworking. Additionally, some African communities use this plant for medicinal purposes, such as treating stomach pains and snakebites.
Cultivation
Buxus benguellensis Gilg var. hirta Hutch. grows best in moist and well-draining soil. It prefers partial shade, but it can also tolerate full sun. This plant is low-maintenance, and it does not require frequent pruning. Propagation is through seed or from cuttings. Insects such as mites and leafminer can infest this plant and damage the leaves.
Light Requirements
Buxus benguellensis Gilg var. hirta Hutch. prefers partial to full shade and can tolerate direct sunlight, especially in the early morning or late afternoon. Too much direct sunlight can cause leaf scorch and damage the plant.
Temperature Requirements
This plant thrives best in temperatures between 50°F and 75°F. Extreme temperatures can harm the plant, so it is best to protect it during harsh weather conditions.
Soil Requirements
Buxus benguellensis Gilg var. hirta Hutch. prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. The soil should be slightly acidic with a pH range of 5.0 to 6.5. It can tolerate slightly alkaline soils but may struggle to uptake nutrients properly. Regular watering is essential, but the soil should not be overly moist or waterlogged, as it can lead to root rot.
Cultivation Methods for Buxus benguellensis Gilg var. hirta Hutch.
Buxus benguellensis Gilg var. hirta Hutch. is a slow-growing, evergreen shrub that requires well-drained soil and partial shade to grow well. The plant should be planted in a loamy or sandy soil of pH 6.0-7.2. Do not plant the shrub in heavy clay soils, as this can cause root rot.
The shrub can be propagated using either seedlings or cuttings. Cuttings are preferred because they have a higher survival rate. Cuttings should be taken from a healthy mother plant during the vegetative period and rooted in a well-drained rooting medium.
Watering Needs for Buxus benguellensis Gilg var. hirta Hutch.
Buxus benguellensis Gilg var. hirta Hutch. requires moderate watering, and the plant should be watered regularly to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. The plant should be watered deeply and less frequently, especially during the dry season.
The soil around the plant should be checked regularly to make sure it does not dry out completely or become too wet. Overwatering can lead to root rot, which is detrimental to the plant's growth and survival.
Fertilization of Buxus benguellensis Gilg var. hirta Hutch.
The shrub should be fertilized periodically with a well-balanced fertilizer rich in nitrogen, phosphorous, and potassium. The fertilizer should be applied in the growing season, that is, from spring to early summer. Follow the fertilizer manufacturer's instructions to avoid over-fertilization, which can lead to the build-up of salts in the soil, causing root injury and stunting growth.
Organic fertilizers such as compost, manure, and bone meal can also be used. These should be applied in smaller quantities and more frequently than the synthetic fertilizers to ensure even distribution and optimal use by the plant.
Pruning of Buxus benguellensis Gilg var. hirta Hutch.
Buxus benguellensis Gilg var. hirta Hutch. can be pruned to shape and maintain its size. Pruning should be done during the plant's dormant period. This is usually at the beginning of the cool season or late fall before the plant undergoes intense growth in the next season.
Prune the outer tips of the branches to encourage the plant to bush out. Take off any dead, diseased, or damaged branches to improve the plant's overall health and appearance. Use a sharp, clean pruning tool to avoid damaging the plant.
Propagation of Buxus benguellensis Gilg var. hirta Hutch.
Buxus benguellensis Gilg var. hirta Hutch., commonly known as the Angolan boxwood or Hairy boxwood, is a slow-growing shrub native to Angola. It is a popular landscape plant due to its attractive appearance and low maintenance requirements. Propagation can be carried out through various methods, including seed propagation, cutting propagation, and layering.
Seed Propagation
Propagation from seed is the least common method for Buxus benguellensis Gilg var. hirta Hutch. due to the low germination rate and slow growth. Fresh seeds are collected during the fall season, and the fleshy coating is removed by rubbing the seed against a mesh screen and then soaking it in water for 24 hours. The seeds are then sown in a well-drained soil mix, and it takes 2-3 months for germination to occur. Lightly cover the seed with soil mix, and keep the soil moist. When the seedlings are large enough to handle, they are transplanted to larger containers and then into the ground in the springtime.
Cutting Propagation
The most common method for propagating Buxus benguellensis Gilg var. hirta Hutch. is through cutting propagation. Semi-hardwood cuttings are prepared from current year’s growth during the late summer or early fall season. The cuttings should be 8-15cm long and should include 2-3 pairs of leaves. Wound the cuttings at the base, and dip them into rooting hormone powder. Insert them into a well-aerated rooting medium, like a mix of peat and perlite or vermiculite and sand. Keep the cuttings in a warm, humid environment, and water regularly. The roots usually take 4-8 weeks to develop, and can be transplanted into containers or directly into the ground.
Layering
Layering is another propagation method that can be applied to Buxus benguellensis Gilg var. hirta Hutch. During the springtime, select a semi-hardwood branch with good flexibility and without any damage, which can be easily bent and make a slight cut along the bottom side of the stem. Apply rooting hormone to the base of the stem and insert it into the soil, making sure the stem remains above the surface of the soil. Firm the soil around the stem, and keep the soil moist. The roots will start to develop undergound, and when they are well-developed, you can cut off the layering stem from the parent plant and transplant it to a bigger container or the ground.
Disease and Pest Management for Buxus benguellensis Gilg var. hirta Hutch.
Buxus benguellensis Gilg var. hirta Hutch., commonly known as the Angolan Boxwood, is a shrub that is native to Angola. Like many plant species, it is susceptible to diseases and pests that can damage the plant's health and appearance. Here are some common diseases and pests that might affect the plant and ways to manage them.
Leaf Spot Disease
Leaf spot disease is a fungal infection that causes brown spots on the leaves of the plant. The spots can range in size but typically start small and grow larger over time. To manage this disease, it is important to remove the affected leaves and dispose of them. Avoid overhead watering and ensure there is proper air circulation around the plant. Apply a fungicide to the plant according to the manufacturer's instructions.
Phytophthora Root Rot
Phytophthora root rot is a soil-borne disease that can cause yellowing of the plant's leaves, stunting of growth, and wilting. The disease can be caused by overwatering and poor soil drainage. To manage this disease, ensure there is good soil drainage and avoid overwatering the plant. If the disease is severe, apply a fungicide to the plant according to the manufacturer's instructions.
Boxwood Leafminer
The boxwood leafminer is an insect that lays its eggs on the leaves of the plant, and the larvae tunnel through the leaves, causing brown patches and blisters. To manage this pest, prune and dispose of affected leaves. Use insecticidal soap or horticultural oil to control the adult insects.
Boxwood Psyllid
The boxwood psyllid is an insect that causes yellowing and curling of the plant's leaves. The pest is most active in the spring and fall. To manage this pest, prune and dispose of affected leaves. Use insecticidal soap or horticultural oil to control the adult insects.
By practicing good plant care, regularly inspecting the plant for signs of diseases or pests, and managing them early, Buxus benguellensis Gilg var. hirta Hutch. can remain healthy and attractive.
