Contents
Description
Pyrularia Edulis, commonly known as buffalo nut or oil nut, is a parasitic plant that belongs to the family Santalaceae. It is native to the eastern parts of North America, including the Great Lakes region, and can be found in deciduous forests.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Santalales |
| Family | Santalaceae |
| Genus | Pyrularia |
Appearance
The buffalo nut plant has a woody stem that can grow up to 6 feet tall. Its leaves are simple, alternate, and oval-shaped, with a waxy coating that gives them a shiny appearance. The flowers are small and inconspicuous, and the fruit is a hard, round nut that is about 1 inch in diameter and contains a single edible seed.
Care Guide
Buffalo nut plants are parasitic and rely on the roots of other trees for nutrients. They do not need to be watered or fertilized, as they obtain all their nutrients from their host tree. They prefer well-drained soil and partial to full shade, and are hardy in USDA zones 4-8.
Common Pests & Diseases
Buffalo nut plants are not typically affected by pests or diseases, as they are relatively hardy and do not require much care. However, they can be susceptible to root rot if they are planted in poorly-drained soil or if they receive too much water.
Habitat
Buffalo nut plants are native to deciduous forests in eastern North America, where they can be found growing on the roots of a variety of trees, including oaks, maples, and hickories. They prefer well-drained soil and partial to full shade.
Question and Answer
Q: Can buffalo nut plants be grown in containers?
A: No, buffalo nut plants are parasitic and require a host tree to survive, so they cannot be grown in containers.
Q: Are buffalo nut plants poisonous?
A: No, buffalo nut plants are not poisonous and the seeds are edible, although they are not commonly consumed.
Q: Are buffalo nut plants invasive?
A: No, buffalo nut plants are not considered invasive and do not pose a threat to native plant species.
Q: Can buffalo nut plants be propagated from seed?
A: Yes, buffalo nut plants can be propagated from seed, but it can be difficult to germinate the seeds and they may take several years to mature.
Related Plants
- Pyrularia pubera
- Pyrularia thompsonii
- Pyrularia grandiflora
References
- “Pyrularia Edulis.” Missouri Botanical Garden. Accessed September 15, 2021. https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=280066.
- “Buffalo Nut.” Ohio State University Extension. Accessed September 15, 2021. https://ohioline.osu.edu/factsheet/f-71.
- “Pyrularia Edulis.” USDA Plants Database. Accessed September 15, 2021. https://plants.usda.gov/core/profile?symbol=PYED.
