Overview of Buxus vahlii Baill.
Buxus vahlii Baill., commonly known as Vahl's Boxwood, is a species of flowering plant in the genus Buxus. It is native to Madagascar and is commonly found in moist forests and on rocky cliffs at elevations of up to 1500 meters. The plant is a broadleaf evergreen shrub that belongs to the Buxaceae family.
General Appearance
Buxus vahlii Baill. is a slow-growing shrub that can grow up to 6 feet in height, but usually reaches a height of around 3-4 feet. The plant has leathery, glossy, and dark green leaves that are arranged in opposite pairs along the stems. The leaves are ovate to elliptic in shape and are around 0.5 to 2 inches long. When crushed, the leaves have a slightly pungent odor.
The shrub produces small, cream-colored flowers that are borne in clusters at the tips of the branches. The flowers have a distinctive fragrance and bloom from late winter to early spring. Buxus vahlii Baill. also produces small, round, and woody fruits that contain one or two seeds.
Common Names
Buxus vahlii Baill. is commonly known as Vahl's Boxwood, Madagascar Boxwood, and Dwarf Boxwood.
Uses
Buxus vahlii Baill. is primarily grown as an ornamental plant because of its ornate foliage and compact growth habit. The plant is often used as a low hedge, border, or topiary plant in gardens, parks, and landscapes. It is also a popular plant for bonsai enthusiasts because of its small size and attractive foliage.
In traditional medicine, the leaves of Buxus vahlii Baill. are used to treat a variety of ailments, including fever, stomachaches, and diarrhea. The plant is also used as a source of wood for carving and turning.
However, it is important to note that all parts of the plant are toxic if ingested and can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. Therefore, caution should be exercised when handling the plant.
Light Requirements
Buxus vahlii Baill. plants require partial to full shade. The ideal location for this plant is in an area with high tree canopy cover and where the plant is protected from direct sunlight. It can grow in full sun but will require more water and maintenance.
Temperature Requirements
The plant is native to tropical and subtropical regions where the average temperature ranges from 20°C to 30°C. It is a hardy plant that can withstand temperatures as low as -2°C for short periods. The plant requires a warm climate and cannot tolerate frost conditions. High humidity levels are beneficial for the plant to thrive.
Soil Requirements
Buxus vahlii Baill. plants require well-draining soil with a pH range between 6.0 to 7.5. Clay soils are unsuitable for the plant as they hold too much moisture and can cause root rot. The soil should be rich in organic matter and the addition of compost is recommended. Mulching around the plant helps retain soil moisture and regulates soil temperature. Regular watering is necessary, but the soil should not be waterlogged.
Cultivation of Buxus vahlii Baill.
Buxus vahlii Baill. is a slow-growing plant that is planted for its ornamental value. The plant is typically grown in cold and temperate regions as it is well adapted to such areas.
The plant species prefers a well-draining soil; therefore, sandy loam soil is ideal for this plant type. Avoid waterlogging the soil as it can cause root rot.
The plant needs adequate light to grow properly. It is advisable to grow the plant under a shade that allows some sunlight penetration.
Watering Needs of Buxus vahlii Baill.
Water the plant regularly to keep the soil moist. Ensure that you do not over-water the plant as it can lead to soil waterlogging and root rot. Additionally, do not allow the soil to dry up entirely as it can lead to the plant wilting.
Fertilization of Buxus vahlii Baill.
Applying fertilizers to Buxus vahlii Baill. is necessary after particularly wet seasons or when the plant begins to exhibit a lack of energy. Nitrogen-rich fertilizers are preferred because they enhance the growth of the plant.
Fertilize the plant during the growing season, which is typically from spring to early fall. Avoid fertilizing the plant during winter.
Pruning of Buxus vahlii Baill.
Prune the plant in early spring or late winter. Pruning should be done by cutting back the previous season's growth. You can prune to your preferred shape and size.
Regular pruning is important to maintain the plant's shape and size, provide proper air circulation, and remove damaged or diseased growth.
Propagation of Buxus vahlii Baill.
Buxus vahlii Baill. can be propagated through various methods. Some of the commonly used propagation methods are:
Seed propagation:
Buxus vahlii Baill. seeds are collected when the fruit turns yellowish-brown. The collected seeds are cleaned and sowed in well-drained soil. The seeds take around 20-30 days for germination. Seed propagation is not commonly used as it is a slow method of propagation.
Air layering:
Air layering works best for mature plants. A small cut is made in the stem of the plant, and the cut is wrapped with wet moss or peat, which is then covered with plastic to retain moisture. The roots start growing in a few weeks, and once they are well established, the plant is cut below the rooting area and planted in a new pot or a specific location.
Cuttings:
Buxus vahlii Baill. cuttings are usually taken during spring or early summer. The stem cuttings should be around 10-15 cm long. Remove the lower leaves and dip the cuttings in rooting hormone powder. The cuttings are then planted in well-drained soil and kept in a humid environment to facilitate root growth.
Grafting:
Grafting can help in obtaining plants with similar characteristics. Grafting on a rootstock of common Buxus can help in obtaining the desirable features that are hard to get through seedlings or cuttings. It is a complex method that requires an experienced grower to achieve success.
Disease Management for Buxus Vahlii Baill.
Buxus vahlii Baill. is susceptible to several diseases that can adversely affect its growth and health. It is crucial to spot these diseases early on and manage them promptly to prevent the plant from suffering significant damage. Some of the common diseases that can affect Buxus vahlii Baill. include:
- Canker: This disease is caused by a fungus that attacks the young stems and leaves of the plant, causing them to wilt and die. To manage canker, prune the affected parts of the plant and destroy them. Avoid overhead watering and improve air circulation around the plant.
- Boxwood blight: This disease is caused by a fungus that attacks the leaves and stems of the plant, causing them to turn brown and fall off. To manage boxwood blight, prune the affected parts of the plant and destroy them. Avoid overhead watering, disinfect pruning tools between cuts, and provide adequate spacing between plants to improve air circulation.
- Root rot: This disease is caused by soil-borne fungi that attack the roots of the plant, causing them to rot and die. To manage root rot, ensure that the plant is grown in well-draining soil and avoid overwatering. If the plant is already affected, remove it from the soil and discard it to prevent the fungus from spreading to healthy plants.
Pest Management for Buxus Vahlii Baill.
Buxus vahlii Baill. is also susceptible to several pests that can cause significant damage to the plant if not managed promptly. Some of the common pests that can affect the plant include:
- Boxwood leafminer: This pest is the larvae of a tiny fly that tunnels into the leaves of the plant, causing them to discolor and fall off. To manage boxwood leafminer, prune the affected parts of the plant and destroy them. Avoid excessive fertilization, which can attract the pest, and apply sticky traps to catch the adult flies.
- Boxwood psyllid: This pest is a tiny insect that feeds on the sap of the plant, causing stunted growth and distorted leaves. To manage boxwood psyllid, prune the affected parts of the plant and destroy them. Use insecticidal soap or neem oil to control the pest, and encourage natural predators like ladybugs to feed on the pests.
- Mites: These pests are tiny spider-like insects that suck the sap from the plant, causing it to become yellow and dry. To manage mites, prune the affected parts of the plant and destroy them. Use insecticidal soap or neem oil to control the pest, and encourage natural predators like spiders and predatory mites to feed on the pests.
