Overview
Buxus macowanii Oliv. var. benguellensis (Gilg) Mathou is a variety of Buxus macowanii, a plant species that belongs to the family Buxaceae. This plant is commonly found in the Benguela province of Angola in southwestern Africa.
Common Names
Commonly known as the Benguela boxwood, this plant is also referred to as "amthumba" or "umthumba" in the Xhosa language.
Appearance
The Benguela boxwood is an evergreen shrub or small tree that can grow up to 6 meters in height. The bark is grayish-brown and the leaves are glossy, dark green, and slightly leathery to the touch. The leaves are arranged opposite each other on the stem and grow up to 3 centimeters long and 1.5 centimeters wide. The plant blooms small clusters of greenish-yellow flowers in the summer, followed by small round red fruit that turns black when ripe.
Uses
The Benguela boxwood is primarily used as an ornamental plant due to its neat and dense growth habit. It is also commonly used for hedging or as a topiary plant in landscaping. This plant is resistant to pests and diseases, making it a popular choice for gardeners. The wood of this plant is also used for carving small objects.
Growth Conditions for Buxus macowanii Oliv. var. benguellensis (Gilg) Mathou
Buxus macowanii Oliv. var. benguellensis (Gilg) Mathou, commonly known as Benguela boxwood, is a slow-growing, evergreen shrub that requires specific growth conditions. These conditions are discussed below.
Light
Benguela boxwood grows well in both full sun and partial shade. However, it is best to provide shading during the hottest part of the day to prevent leaf scorching. In areas with high temperatures, partial shade is preferred as it helps to maintain the soil moisture.
Temperature
Benguela boxwood is a hardy plant that grows well in mild to warm climates. The ideal temperature range for growth is between 15°C to 25°C. Extreme temperatures can affect the growth of the plant making it susceptible to disease or pest infestation.
Soil
The plant grows well in well-drained soils that are rich in organic matter. It prefers mildly acidic soils with a pH range of 5.5 to 6.5. The soil should be moist but not waterlogged, as stagnant water can lead to the development of root rot.
It is important to note that the plant is sensitive to salt, and as such, should not be planted in areas with high salt levels in the soil or in locations prone to salt spray.
Cultivation of Buxus macowanii Oliv. var. benguellensis (Gilg) Mathou:
Buxus macowanii Oliv. var. benguellensis (Gilg) Mathou commonly known as Benguela Boxwood, is a small evergreen shrub that is native to Angola. It grows best in well-draining soils with good water retention and high organic matter content. The shrub requires full or partial sunlight for optimal growth and should be planted in an area that receives at least 6 hours of sunlight daily.
Watering Needs of Buxus macowanii Oliv. var. benguellensis (Gilg) Mathou:
Benguela Boxwood requires regular irrigation to maintain its foliage and growth, particularly during the dry season. During periods of drought, the plant should be watered deeply and less frequently to encourage root development. If the soil becomes too dry, the leaves may wilt and fall off. It's also important to avoid over-watering the plant as this can cause root rot.
Fertilization of Buxus macowanii Oliv. var. benguellensis (Gilg) Mathou:
The shrub requires regular fertilization to maintain its health and vigor. A balanced slow-release fertilizer that contains nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium should be applied in the spring and summer months. A layer of compost can also be added to the soil to improve its fertility and nutrient content. It's important not to over-fertilize the plant as this can lead to excessive growth and weak stems that are prone to disease and pest damage.
Pruning of Buxus macowanii Oliv. var. benguellensis (Gilg) Mathou:
Benguela Boxwood requires regular pruning to maintain its shape and prevent it from becoming too large or overgrown. Pruning should be done during the late winter or early spring, before new growth begins. The plant should be pruned using sharp, clean pruning shears that are sterilized to prevent the spread of disease. Dead, damaged, or diseased branches should be removed, and the plant can be shaped to the desired size and shape. However, it's important not to prune too much as this can lead to stunted growth and weak stems.
Propagation of Buxus macowanii Oliv. var. benguellensis
Buxus macowanii Oliv. var. benguellensis (Gilg) Mathou, commonly known as Angolan boxwood, is a shrub or small tree that belongs to the Buxaceae family. It is endemic to Angola, occurring in the central and southern regions of the country. The plant is an evergreen species that can reach a height of 6 meters. The leaves are leathery and glossy, with a dark green color. The flowers are inconspicuous, and the fruit is a small capsule that contains one or two seeds.
Buxus macowanii Oliv. var. benguellensis can be propagated by seeds, cuttings, or layering.
Propagation by seeds
The seeds should be collected from mature fruits and sown immediately after harvesting. The seeds should be cleaned and soaked in water for 24 hours. After soaking, the seeds should be planted in a well-drained seedling tray filled with a mixture of peat and sand. The seeds should be covered with a thin layer of soil and kept moist. Germination can take 3-6 months, and the seedlings should be transplanted to individual pots when they have developed their first true leaves.
Propagation by cuttings
Softwood or semi-hardwood cuttings can be taken in spring or summer. The cuttings should be 8-10 cm long, with at least two or three nodes. The leaves should be removed from the bottom half of the cutting, and the cutting should be dipped in rooting hormone powder. The cuttings should be planted in a well-drained rooting medium, such as a mixture of peat and sand, and kept moist. The cuttings should be placed in a shaded area and misted regularly. Rooting can take 4-6 weeks, and the rooted cuttings should be transplanted to individual pots.
Propagation by layering
Air layering can be used to propagate Buxus macowanii Oliv. var. benguellensis. In spring or summer, a branch should be selected and a ring of bark should be removed from a section of the branch. The exposed area should be covered with rooting hormone powder, and a ball of moss should be wrapped around the exposed area. The moss ball should be covered with plastic wrap and secured with twine. The branch should be left in this condition for several months, until roots have formed inside the moss ball. The rooted branch should be cut from the mother plant and transplanted to a pot.
Disease and Pest Management for Buxus Macowanii Oliv. var. Benguellensis (Gilg) Mathou
Buxus macowanii Oliv. var. benguellensis (Gilg) Mathou commonly referred to as Benguela Boxwood, is a popular garden plant that provides long-lasting foliage which withstands harsh weather conditions. However, like most plants, it is susceptible to disease and pest attacks. Therefore, in this article, we will discuss common diseases and pests that might affect the plant and suggest ways to manage them.
Common Diseases
Leaf Spot Diseases
Leaf spot diseases are caused by fungal pathogens and present themselves in circular shapes on the leaves. The best way to manage them is by maintaining good plant hygiene by removing infected leaves and avoiding moisture on the leaves by reducing watering frequency.
Phytophthora Root Rot
Phytophthora root rot is a fungal disease that attacks the roots of the plant. It thrives in warm, wet soil conditions where fungi thrive. The best way to manage this disease is through preventative methods. Avoid overwatering the plant, choose well-drained soil, plant in raised beds, and apply a fungicide.
Common Pests
Boxwood Psyllid
Boxwood psyllid is an insect pest that affects boxwood plants. The psyllids are tiny sap-sucking insects found on the undersides of leaves. The best way to manage this insect pest is through regular monitoring of the plant and pruning the affected branches. Consider applying insecticides or releasing natural predators such as lacewings, ladybugs, and parasitic wasps.
Boxwood Mites
Boxwood mites are common pests that attack boxwood plants, causing discoloration and distortion of the leaves. The best way to manage this pest is to apply an insecticidal soap targeted specifically for mites. Consider pruning away the affected branches when infestations are severe.
Remember, the best way to manage disease and pest infestations is through preventative measures. Monitor your plants regularly, maintain good plant hygiene, avoid overwatering the plant, and apply insecticides or fungicides when necessary. By following these tips, your Buxus macowanii Oliv. var. benguellensis (Gilg) Mathou plants will thrive beautifully in your garden.
