Overview of Buxus calophylla Pax
Buxus calophylla Pax is a flowering plant species that belongs to the Buxaceae family. It is an evergreen shrub that is native to Vietnam and Laos. The plant is known for its ornamental uses in landscaping and traditional medicine.
Common Names of Buxus calophylla Pax
Buxus calophylla Pax is commonly known as Vietnamese boxwood or Laotian boxwood. Locally, it is called Sua Lao in Laos and Kim T? Lâm in Vietnam.
Uses of Buxus calophylla Pax
The Buxus calophylla Pax plant has various uses, including:
- Ornamental purposes: Due to its attractive foliage, Buxus calophylla Pax is commonly used in landscaping and as a topiary plant.
- Medicinal purposes: The plant has been used in traditional medicine to treat various ailments, such as malaria, arthritis, and fever.
- Wood carving: The hard and fine-grained wood of the plant is used in wood carving and making of various artifacts.
- Tea: The Buxus calophylla Pax leaves are brewed to make a traditional tea that is believed to have healing properties.
Appearance of Buxus calophylla Pax
The Buxus calophylla Pax plant is a slow-growing evergreen shrub that can reach a height of up to 5 meters. It has dense foliage, and the leaves are small and glossy, with a dark green color. The flowers are small and inconspicuous, and they bloom in late winter or early spring. The fruits are small, three-lobed capsules that house the plant's seeds. The stem is reddish-brown and has smooth bark.
Overall, the Buxus calophylla Pax plant is an attractive and versatile plant that has both ornamental and medicinal uses. Its hard and fine-grained wood is also used in wood carving and local crafts.
Light Requirements
Buxus calophylla Pax thrives best in full sun to partial shade. Partial shade is particularly preferable during the hottest months, as it protects the foliage from sun scorch and reduces water loss through transpiration.
Temperature Requirements
Buxus calophylla Pax grows well in moderate temperatures, with a preference for warm to hot temperatures. Temperatures between 20 to 30 °C are ideal for growth, with temperatures below 10 °C promotes dormancy, while temperatures above 35 °C may cause wilting and leaf drying.
Soil Requirements
The plant prefers well-draining soils. Sandy soils that are moderately fertile are most suitable. However, it can grow in other soil types, including loamy and heavy clay soils, as long as they have good drainage. A soil pH range of 6.5 to 7.5 is also ideal.
Cultivation Methods
Buxus calophylla Pax grows best in cool, temperate climates with well-draining soil. It prefers partial shade, but can tolerate full sun if the soil is kept consistently moist. In areas with consistently hot temperatures, planting in a location with afternoon shade is recommended.
When planting, ensure that the soil is free of rocks and other debris. Dig a hole slightly larger than the root ball, and plant the shrub at the same depth it was previously growing. Backfill the hole with soil and tamp it down firmly to eliminate air pockets.
Watering Needs
Buxus calophylla Pax prefers consistently moist soil, but is also susceptible to root rot if the soil becomes waterlogged. To ensure proper watering, use a soaker hose or drip system to provide slow, steady moisture to the root zone. Water deeply once a week, and more frequently during hot, dry periods.
Fertilization
Apply a slow-release, balanced fertilizer in early spring before new growth appears. You can also apply a light dose of fertilizer in late summer or early fall to promote healthy growth. Always follow the fertilizer manufacturer's recommendations for application rates.
Pruning
Pruning is necessary to maintain the desired shape and size of Buxus calophylla Pax. In early spring, before new growth appears, use clean, sharp shears to trim any damaged or dead branches. You can also shape the shrub at this time by trimming back any overgrown branches.
Throughout the growing season, pinch back any new growth at the tips of the branches to encourage bushiness.
Propagation of Buxus calophylla Pax
Buxus calophylla Pax, commonly known as the mountain boxwood, is a small, slow-growing evergreen shrub that is native to China. It is often used as an ornamental plant due to its dense foliage and ability to be clipped into various shapes.
Propagation Methods
There are a few different methods for propagating Buxus calophylla Pax, including:
Seed Propagation
Buxus calophylla Pax can be propagated from seed, although this method can be slow and unpredictable. Collect the ripe seeds in the fall and plant them in a well-draining soil mixture. Keep the soil moist and warm, and germination should occur within a few weeks to a few months.
Cutting Propagation
The most common method for propagating Buxus calophylla Pax is through cutting propagation. This involves taking a stem cutting from a healthy plant and rooting it to create a new, genetically identical plant. Take cuttings in the late spring or early summer, using a sharp, clean pair of pruning shears. Remove the leaves from the bottom half of the cutting and dip it in rooting hormone before planting it in a well-draining soil mixture. Keep the soil moist and the cutting in a warm, humid location until new growth appears.
Layering Propagation
Another method for propagating Buxus calophylla Pax is through layering. This involves bending a low-growing branch to the ground and making a small incision in the bark where it touches the soil. Cover the area with soil, and within a few months, roots will form at the site of the incision. Once roots have formed, cut the branch from the parent plant and transplant it to a new location.
Overall, Buxus calophylla Pax can be propagated through a variety of methods, although cutting propagation is the most common and reliable. Regardless of the method used, it's important to keep the new plants in a warm, humid location with well-draining soil to encourage healthy growth.
Disease and Pest Management for Buxus calophylla Pax
Buxus calophylla Pax, commonly known as the Korean Boxwood, is a popular evergreen shrub that is known for its dense foliage and compact size. However, like any other plant, it can fall prey to a variety of diseases and pests if not cared properly. Here are some common plant diseases and pests that can affect Buxus calophylla Pax along with some effective methods to manage them:
Common Diseases
Boxwood Blight: Boxwood blight is a fungal disease that can cause extensive defoliation and decline of the entire shrub. It is caused by the pathogen Calonectria pseudonaviculata and is characterized by black or brown leaf spots, black streaks on stems, and severe defoliation. To manage boxwood blight, keep your plants well-spaced and well-drained to promote good airflow and reduce humidity that can facilitate the growth of the fungus. Remove and dispose of any infected plants and apply a fungicide as per the instructions.
Volutella Blight: Volutella blight is another fungal disease that can cause leaf spots, twig dieback, and stem cankers. It is caused by the pathogen Volutella buxi and thrives in warm, wet conditions. To manage volutella blight, remove infected plant debris and prune affected branches and stems during dry weather. Apply a fungicide as per the instructions and avoid overcrowding of plants.
Common Pests
Boxwood Leafminer: Boxwood leafminer is a common pest that can cause extensive damage by tunneling through the leaves. It is caused by the larvae of a tiny fly called Monarthropalpus buxi. Symptoms include yellowing, distorted, and blotchy leaves along with brownish pupae and larvae inside the damaged leaves. To manage boxwood leafminer, apply a systemic insecticide in early spring when the larval stage is active or prune and dispose of any affected plant parts.
Boxwood Mite: Boxwood mite is a common pest that can cause bronzing, yellowing, and drying of the leaves. It is caused by the mites Eurytetranychus buxi and Eotetranychus tiliarium and usually thrives in hot and dry conditions. To manage boxwood mite, ensure adequate watering and spray the shrubs with a suitable acaricide as per the instructions. Applying a dormant oil spray in early spring can also help control the pests.
Boxwood Psyllid: Boxwood psyllid is a common pest that can cause distortion and discoloration of new growth, along with sticky honeydew that can attract ants and sooty mold. It is caused by the psyllid Psylla buxi and usually appears in early spring. To manage boxwood psyllid, prune affected shoots during dry weather and apply a systemic insecticide in early spring before new growth emerges.
By following these effective disease and pest management methods, you can keep your Buxus calophylla Pax shrubs healthy and thriving throughout the year.
