Contents
Description
Nuxia Floribunda, commonly known as the forest elder, is a small tree or shrub that belongs to the family Bignoniaceae. It is native to Africa and is found in the eastern parts of South Africa, Swaziland, Mozambique, Zimbabwe, and Tanzania. The tree can grow up to 10 meters tall and has a spreading crown. It produces small white or cream-colored flowers that are arranged in dense clusters.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Lamiales |
| Family | Bignoniaceae |
| Genus | Nuxia |
Appearance
The forest elder has a smooth, greyish-brown bark that peels in long strips. Its leaves are dark green, glossy, and elliptical in shape, with a length of 6-15 cm and a width of 2-6 cm. The tree produces small, white or cream-colored flowers that grow in dense clusters at the end of branches. The flowers have a sweet scent and are about 1 cm in diameter. The fruit of the forest elder is a woody capsule that contains numerous small, papery seeds.
Care Guide
To care for the forest elder, it is important to provide it with adequate water and fertilizer. The tree prefers well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. It should be watered regularly, especially during dry spells. Fertilizer should be applied in early spring and again in late summer, using a balanced fertilizer that is high in nitrogen. The forest elder prefers full sun or partial shade and is hardy in USDA zones 9-11.
Common Pests & Diseases
The forest elder is susceptible to a number of pests and diseases, including aphids, spider mites, and powdery mildew. These can be controlled using insecticides and fungicides, respectively. Regular pruning can also help to prevent these problems by improving air circulation and reducing the risk of fungal infections.
Habitat
The forest elder is found in a variety of habitats, including forest edges, grasslands, and riverbanks. It is particularly common in areas that receive high rainfall and has been used for erosion control in some regions.
Q&A
Q: Is the forest elder a fast-growing tree?
A: Yes, the forest elder can grow up to 1 meter per year under ideal conditions.
Q: Can the forest elder be grown in containers?
A: Yes, the forest elder can be grown in containers, but it may require frequent repotting as it grows.
Q: Does the forest elder produce edible fruit?
A: No, the fruit of the forest elder is not edible.
Q: Can the forest elder be propagated from cuttings?
A: Yes, the forest elder can be propagated from softwood cuttings taken in early summer.
Related Plants
- Nuxia Congesta
- Nuxia Floribunda
- Nuxia Oppositifolia
References
- “Nuxia Floribunda.” PlantZAfrica.com. Accessed 19 July 2021. https://www.plantzafrica.com/plantnop/nuxiafloribunda.htm
- “Nuxia Floribunda.” Missouri Botanical Garden. Accessed 19 July 2021. https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=c408
- “Nuxia Floribunda.” South African National Biodiversity Institute. Accessed 19 July 2021. https://pza.sanbi.org/nuxia-floribunda
