Buddleja coriacea

Classification System: APG IV

Superregnum: Eukaryota
Regnum: Plantae
Cladus: Angiosperms
Cladus: Eudicots
Cladus: Core eudicots
Cladus: Asterids
Cladus: Lamiids
Ordo: Lamiales

Familia: Scrophulariaceae
Tribus: Buddlejeae
Genus: Buddleja
Sectio: B. sect. Buddleja
Series: B. ser. Cordatae
Species: Buddleja coriacea
Name

Buddleja coriacea J.Rémy, Ann. Sci. Nat., Bot. sér. 3, 8: 226. 1847 [Oct 1847].
References

USDA, ARS, Germplasm Resources Information Network. Buddleja coriacea in the Germplasm Resources Information Network (GRIN), U.S. Department of Agriculture Agricultural Research Service. Accessed: 07-Oct-06.

Buddleja coriacea is a variable species endemic to the high Andes from the Cordillera Blanca in Peru to Lake Titicaca in Bolivia. It grows on dry to semi-humid rocky soils at elevations of 3,000–4,350 m,[1] where temperatures range from -3° to 15° C. and the winds are both strong and persistent.[2][3][1][permanent dead link] The species was first named and described by Rémy in 1847.[1]

Description

Buddleja coriacea typically makes a densely crowned, sprawling trioecious shrub or tree, branching almost at ground level. Usually growing to less than 4 m in height in the wild, it can occasionally reach 12 m, with stems up to 40 cm in diameter; the bark is fissured.[2][1] The species is chiefly distinguished by its small, thick, leathery leaves, 1–4 cm long by 0.5–1.5 cm wide, with 3–4 mm petioles. The upper surfaces of the leaves are dark-green and glabrous, contrasting with the undersides which are covered in a cinnamon-brown indumentum. The scented inflorescences comprise 3–8 pairs of head-like cymes, 0.9–1.2 cm in diameter, of 8–12 flowers, the corollas 4.5–6 mm in length, deep yellow to orange-yellow, becoming orange-red with age. Flowering occurs throughout the year, but most commonly between December and June. Ploidy: 2n = 76 (tetraploid).[1]
Cultivation

Buddleja coriacea is cultivated in the high Andes as a field windbreak, as a source of humus for soil improvement, and as high quality, rotproof timber for use in building construction and manufacture of agricultural tools.[3] The shrub was introduced to horticulture in the UK circa 1994, and specimens are held as part of the NCCPG national collection at the Longstock Park Nursery, near Stockbridge.[4] Although not entirely hardy in the UK, the shrub can survive most winters with a modicum of protection; overwinter waterlogging regarded as a greater danger to the plant. The shrub has never been known to flower in the UK owing to either the insufficient intensity or duration of sunlight. Hardiness: USDA zone 9.[5]
Hybrids

The species is believed to commonly hybridize with B. montana and B. incana in the wild.[1]
References

Norman, E. M. (2000). Buddlejaceae. Flora Neotropica 81. New York Botanical Garden, USA
Jøker, D., Cruz, N., Morales, M., & Rojas, E. (2002). Buddleja coriacea Remy Seed leaflet. No. 54, Jan. 2002. BASFOR, Danido Forest Seed Centre, Humleback, Denmark.
Arica, D. (2013). Buddleja coriacea - 'Colle', 'Kishuara'. Algunas Especies Forestales nativas Para la Zona Altoandina. (Some native forest species for the High Andes). CONDESAN (Consorcio para el Desarrollo Sostenible de la Ecorregion Andina), Lima, Peru.
Moore, P. (2012). Buddleja List 2011-2012 Longstock Park Nursery. Longstock Park, UK.

Stuart, D. (2006). Buddlejas. Timber Press, Oregon, USA. ISBN 978-0-88192-688-0