Origin of Sideroxylon lanuginosum Michx. ssp. oblongifolium (Nutt.) T.D. Pennington
Sideroxylon lanuginosum Michx. ssp. oblongifolium (Nutt.) T.D. Pennington, commonly known as gum bully or woollyleaf bully, belongs to the Sapotaceae family. This plant is native to the southeastern United States, and it can be found in a variety of habitats, including coastal areas, swamps, and sandhills. It is also commonly found in Florida, Alabama, Mississippi, and Louisiana.
Common Names
The plant Sideroxylon lanuginosum Michx. ssp. oblongifolium (Nutt.) T.D. Pennington is known by several common names, including gum bully, woollyleaf bully, and simply bully.
Uses of Sideroxylon lanuginosum Michx. ssp. oblongifolium (Nutt.) T.D. Pennington
The bark of the gum bully plant has been used in traditional medicine for its antimicrobial and antifungal properties. It was also used to treat colds, coughs, and sore throats. The wood of the tree is hard and durable, and it has been used for tool handles, fence posts, and other construction purposes.
General Appearance of Sideroxylon lanuginosum Michx. ssp. oblongifolium (Nutt.) T.D. Pennington
The gum bully plant is a medium-sized tree that grows up to 50 feet tall and 18 inches in diameter. The tree has a thick, rounded crown and a relatively short trunk. The leaves are oblong and range from 2-4 inches in length. The leaves are densely covered with woolly, light-brown hairs, giving the tree a distinctive appearance. The small flowers are bell-shaped and white to pale yellow in color. The fruit of the tree is a small, spherical berry that is red when ripe and contains one to three seeds.
Overall, the gum bully tree has a unique appearance, with distinctive leaves and a dense, rounded shape, making it easily recognizable.
Light Requirements
Sideroxylon lanuginosum Michx. ssp. oblongifolium (Nutt.) T.D. Pennington grows best in full sun, but it can also grow in partial shade. In full sun, the plant produces more flowers and fruits than those grown in partial shade. Shaded plants have higher survival rates because the sun can be harsh on them.
Temperature Requirements
This plant species can thrive in various temperature ranges: from 0°C to 45°C, but it thrives best between 20°C to 30°C. During fall and winter, the plant loses its leaves and becomes dormant, and in the summer, it can withstand extreme heat with enough water supply. Frost or freezing temperatures can kill the plant, so it is not recommended to cultivate it in frost-prone areas.
Soil Requirements
Sideroxylon lanuginosum Michx. ssp. oblongifolium (Nutt.) T.D. Pennington prefers well-drained soils and can grow in various types of soils such as sandy, loamy, or clay soils. The optimal pH range is neutral to slightly acidic (6.0-7.5). The plant has a deep taproot and can tolerate drought once established but performs best with regular watering. A layer of mulch around the base of the plant can help retain moisture.
Cultivation
Sideroxylon lanuginosum Michx. ssp. oblongifolium (Nutt.) T.D. Pennington, commonly known as Gum Bumelia or Woollybucket Bumelia, is native to the southeastern United States, primarily found in Texas, Oklahoma, and Arkansas. This plant prefers full sun exposure but can tolerate partial shade. It is a hardy plant that can adapt to varying soil conditions but prefers well-draining soils.
Watering Needs
When it comes to watering, Gum Bumelia requires moderate watering. It is a drought-tolerant plant that can withstand short periods of dryness but will benefit from regular watering during prolonged dry spells. Overwatering should be avoided, as it can result in waterlogging the soil around the plant's roots, which can ultimately result in root rot. To ensure optimal watering, the plant should be watered when the topsoil feels dry to the touch.
Fertilization
Gum Bumelia is a low-maintenance plant that generally doesn't require fertilization. However, if the plant is not growing well or appears to be suffering from nutrient deficiencies, a slow-release fertilizer with a balanced N-P-K ratio can be added to the soil during the growing season. This can help the plant achieve optimal growth and produce more blooms and fruit.
Pruning
Pruning Gum Bumelia is not strictly necessary but can help maintain its shape and improve its appearance. The best time to prune is in late winter or early spring before new growth emerges. The plant should be pruned back to remove any dead, damaged, or diseased branches. Any crossing or rubbing branches should also be removed to prevent them from damaging the plant. Regular pruning can help promote vigorous new growth and maintain the plant's overall health.
Propagation of Sideroxylon lanuginosum Michx. ssp. oblongifolium (Nutt.) T.D. Pennington
Propagation of Sideroxylon lanuginosum Michx. ssp. oblongifolium (Nutt.) T.D. Pennington is commonly achieved through both sexual and asexual propagation methods.
Sexual Propagation
Seeds are the primary method of sexual propagation for Sideroxylon lanuginosum Michx. ssp. oblongifolium (Nutt.) T.D. Pennington. The seeds are generally collected after the fruit has become fully mature and starts to turn dark-colored. The fruit can be manually harvested and left to dry in the sun for several days. Once the fruit has been dried, the seeds can be removed and stored for later use. Seeds can be directly sown into the ground or grown first in a seed tray and then transplanted to their permanent location.
Asexual Propagation
One notable asexual propagation method for Sideroxylon lanuginosum Michx. ssp. oblongifolium (Nutt.) T.D. Pennington is through stem cuttings. Cuttings should be taken from new growth in the spring or early summer and should be approximately 4-6 inches in length. The cutting should then be dipped in a rooting hormone before being planted in a well-draining soil mix. The cutting should be kept consistently moist until new growth has started to form, which can take several weeks to a few months.
Disease and Pest Management for Sideroxylon lanuginosum Michx. ssp. oblongifolium (Nutt.) T.D. Pennington
Sideroxylon lanuginosum Michx. ssp. oblongifolium (Nutt.) T.D. Pennington, commonly known as Gum Bumelia, is a medium-sized tree that can be found in various habitats such as sandy plains, pine savannas, and open woodlands. The tree is native to North America, specifically in the South-east United States. While Gum Bumelia is generally a hardy plant, it is still susceptible to various pests and diseases that can affect its growth and overall health.
Common Diseases
Gum Bumelia can be affected by various diseases, including root rot, powdery mildew, and collar rot. Root rot can be caused by different types of fungi or water molds that infect the roots, causing the tree to wilt and die. Powdery mildew is a fungal disease that appears as a white powdery substance on the leaves, causing them to yellow and fall. Collar rot is caused by the fungus Phytophthora cinnamomi that infects the collar of the tree, causing the bark to become dark and rough.
Disease Management
To manage root rot, it is essential to avoid overwatering and ensure good drainage around the plant. Adding compost or manure to the soil can also help promote healthy root growth. For powdery mildew, removing and disposing of the affected leaves can help prevent the spread of the disease. Additionally, spraying the tree with a mixture of baking soda, dish soap, and water can help control the disease. Collar rot can be managed by maintaining good soil drainage and avoiding damage to the tree's trunk.
Common Pests
Gum Bumelia can also be affected by various pests, including scales, spider mites, and tent caterpillars. Scales are small insects that attach to the tree's stems and leaves, causing yellowing and curling of the leaves. Spider mites are tiny arachnids that can infest the tree's leaves, causing them to appear stippled and discolored. Tent caterpillars are known to form large clusters of webs in the tree's branches, causing defoliation of the tree.
Pest Management
To manage scale infestations, it is essential to use horticultural oils or insecticidal soaps to kill the insects. Spider mites can be managed by spraying the tree's leaves with water or insecticidal soap. Tent caterpillars can be controlled by removing their webs and destroying the caterpillars manually. Additionally, planting companion plants such as marigolds or dill can help repel pests from the tree.
With proper disease and pest management techniques, Gum Bumelia can thrive and grow to its full potential.
