NEEA BUXIFOLIA
General Information: Neea buxifolia is a stiff, twiggy, yet
manageable and versatile shrub native to Puerto Rico.
Commonly spelled "Nia," the botanical name is
"Neea." It is a member of the Nyctaginaceae
family, which includes the Bougainvillea, and grows to
fifteen feet with a trunk circumference of five to six
inches. The leaves are about one quarter inch long, narrow,
and
oblong with a rounded apex. The petioles are short and
the twigs grow laterally. The tree is
especially attractive during the growing season due to
the deep red color of its new shoots. The
bark is gray and smooth. Neea bears small flowers in spring
and summer followed by little, red mature fruit in summer.
Neea grows somewhat like Ilex vomitoria in that the new
branches grow
in all directions. The effect can be dense and undisciplined.
While this pattern may be a
challenge at first, with attention the close growth of
the twigs creates a compact outline
desirable in bonsai. Lighting: Neea should be grown in
filtered sun. Temperature: Minimum temperature at which
the plant will survive is 40 F degrees. (Per Jim Smith
in Vero Beach, FL.)
Watering: Adequate water to keep it from drying out. Feeding:
Trees should be fertilized twice a month and trace elements,
especially iron and calcium, given twice a year. Pruning
and wiring:
The tree has no particular natural form, unlike Juniperus
procumbens, which almost dictates a
semi cascade or cascade style. Therefore, the Neea may
be styled in any way consistent with the growth pattern
of the particular tree, although formal upright would
be difficult to manage. Neea
may be branch pruned throughout the year in tropical locations.
Since the branches and twigs elongate so rapidly, frequent
pinching and trimming are necessary. Wiring is also difficult
due to profuse, erratic branch growth. Broom and umbrella
styles are easy and shohin is a good choice. Propagation:
Neea may be propagated by branch cuttings from March through
June, by seed,
or by air layering. Seed propagation is especially useful
for shohin rock plantings. Repotting:
While young, the tree needs annual repotting and may be
severely root pruned. Older trees
should be repotted every three to five years. In tropical
locations repotting may be done any time
of the year. The soil should be well draining.
