Notobuxus obtusifolia Mildbr.
Notobuxus obtusifolia Mildbr. is a small and slow-growing plant that belongs to the Buxaceae family. This plant is native to the wet and submontane forests of East Africa, particularly in Tanzania and Kenya. It is commonly known as East African Boxwood or Mt. Kasigau Boxwood.
General Appearance
The East African Boxwood is an evergreen shrub or small tree that can grow up to 10 meters tall. It has a slow-growing nature, and its branches are densely layered. Its bark is brownish-black, and its leaves are small, leathery, and oval-shaped, measuring about 25mm long and 20mm wide. The leaves are densely arranged on the branches, and their upper surface is dark green, while their undersides are lighter in color. Its flowers are small, inconspicuous, and yellowish-green.
Uses
The East African Boxwood has several uses. It is often grown as an ornamental plant in gardens and landscaping for its attractive leaves, which remain green all year round. Additionally, the leaves of the East African Boxwood can be used for medicinal purposes, particularly by indigenous African communities. The leaves are boiled, and the extract is believed to treat various ailments, including headaches, stomachaches, and diarrhea. Moreover, its wood is used by the locals for carving, as it is hard and fine-grained.
Overall, Notobuxus obtusifolia Mildbr. is a valuable plant that has cultural, aesthetic, and medicinal significance in East Africa.
Growth Conditions for Notobuxus obtusifolia Mildbr.
Notobuxus obtusifolia Mildbr., commonly known as the African boxwood, is a shrub that typically grows up to 3 meters in height. It is native to Cameroon, Nigeria, and Equatorial Guinea. The following are some of the typical growth conditions required for its healthy growth and development:
Light
Adequate light is necessary for the growth of Notobuxus obtusifolia, although it is shade-tolerant. It thrives in partially shaded areas with dappled sunlight, especially during the afternoon hours. Direct sunlight can cause its leaves to scorch, which can stunt its growth and leave it vulnerable to pests and diseases.
Temperature
The African boxwood requires warm temperatures, especially during the growing season. It grows best in areas with temperatures ranging from 20 to 30 degrees Celsius, although it can withstand temperatures as low as 10 degrees Celsius. It is not frost-tolerant, so it is crucial to protect it from frost during the winter season.
Soil Requirements
Notobuxus obtusifolia prefers well-drained soils that are rich in organic matter. It grows best in soils with a pH ranging from 5.5 to 7.5. It can adapt to a wide range of soil types, including sandy, clayey, and loamy soils. However, it is sensitive to waterlogging, which can cause its roots to rot and hinder its growth. It is advisable to water it regularly but ensure that the soil is never waterlogged.
Cultivation
Notobuxus obtusifolia Mildbr., commonly known as the Madagascar boxwood, is a popular ornamental plant that can grow up to 6 meters tall. It can be cultivated both indoors and outdoors in a variety of soil types, including sandy, loamy, and clay soils. This plant thrives in a well-draining soil mixture with a pH between 6.0 and 7.5. It prefers partial to full shade and can withstand drought and extreme humidity conditions.
Watering Needs
Watering needs for Notobuxus obtusifolia Mildbr. depend on the season and climate conditions. During the summer months, this plant requires frequent watering to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. During the winter months, reduce watering frequency and allow the soil to dry out slightly before watering again. Overwatering can lead to root rot and other plant diseases, so ensure the plant receives adequate drainage to prevent standing water.
Fertilization
Notobuxus obtusifolia Mildbr. requires regular fertilization to thrive and maintain healthy growth. Use a balanced fertilizer with equal parts nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, as well as micronutrients like iron, magnesium, and calcium. Apply the fertilizer every four to six weeks during the growing season, and discontinue feeding during the winter months. Do not exceed recommended dosages as this can harm the plant.
Pruning
Pruning is essential for maintaining the size, shape, and overall appearance of Notobuxus obtusifolia Mildbr. Prune the plant in the spring to remove dead or damaged wood, and any overgrown or crossed branches. Use clean, sharp pruning shears to make smooth cuts that promote rapid healing. Be careful not to prune more than one-third of the plant's foliage as this can slow down growth and reduce overall health.
Propagation of Notobuxus obtusifolia Mildbr.
Notobuxus obtusifolia Mildbr. is a semi-deciduous shrub endemic to Tanzania. The plant is propagated through sexual and asexual methods.
Sexual Propagation
The seeds of Notobuxus obtusifolia Mildbr. are gathered from mature fruits that have fallen to the ground. The best time to collect the seeds is during the early rainy season when the soil is moist. The seeds are cleaned by separating them from the fruit and debris. They are then sun-dried to reduce seed coat moisture, which enhances germination rate. The seeds are sown in seedbeds filled with loamy soil mixed with sand at a 1:1 ratio. It is important to ensure the seedbed is kept moist and free from weeds. Germination is observed after two to four weeks, and the seedlings are transplanted when they are about six months old.
Asexual Propagation
Notobuxus obtusifolia Mildbr. can also be propagated asexually through stem cuttings. The cuttings may be collected at any time of the year, but the best time is during the rainy season when the plant is actively growing. Softwood cuttings are preferred as they have greater success rates in terms of root formation. The cuttings are 10-15 cm long, and the leaves should be trimmed to reduce transpiration when rooting. The basal end of the cuttings is dipped in rooting hormone and planted in a rooting medium consisting of a 1:1 mixture of sand and sawdust or vermiculite. The cuttings are planted at a depth of a third of their length to enhance stabilization. The cuttings are then watered and kept in a warm humid place, which promotes root growth. Rooting is observed after a month when the cuttings are ready to be transplanted into a nursery or garden bed.
Disease and Pest Management for Notobuxus obtusifolia Mildbr.
Notobuxus obtusifolia Mildbr. is a hardy plant that can grow well in a variety of conditions. However, like any plant, it can still be susceptible to disease and pests. Proper disease and pest management can help to keep your plant healthy year-round. Here are the most common diseases and pests that may affect the Notobuxus obtusifolia Mildbr. and some ways to manage them:
Common Diseases:
Phytophthora root rot: This is a soil-borne disease that can lead to root rot and stem dieback. To manage this disease, ensure that the plant is grown in well-draining soil and avoid over-watering.
Volutella blight: This is a fungal disease that can cause browning and death of leaves, stems, and branches. To manage this disease, prune off and discard affected plant parts, avoid over-fertilizing, and ensure proper drainage around the roots.
Canker: This is a bacterial disease that can cause spots and lesions on the stems and branches. To manage this disease, prune off and destroy affected plant parts, avoid wetting the foliage when watering, and ensure good air circulation around the plant.
Common Pests:
Spider mites: These are tiny pests that can cause yellowed leaves and webs on the plant. To manage these pests, wash the plant with a gentle stream of water, use insecticidal soap, or release predatory mites to eat them.
Scale insects: These are small insects that attach to the stems and leaves of the plant and suck out the sap, causing yellowing and wilting of leaves. To manage these pests, scrape off the scales with a soft-bristled brush, wash the plant with a gentle stream of water, or use an insecticidal soap.
By being vigilant about disease and pest management, you can help to keep your Notobuxus obtusifolia Mildbr. healthy and thriving. Always follow manufacturer's instructions when using any chemical treatments to avoid harming your plant.
