Bulthouse Buxus Plant Mutation for Upright Growth and Flower Suppression
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for a distinct and commercially viable ornamental Buxus plant with improved growth habits, winter hardiness, and reduced flowering, which existing varieties such as 'Winter Gem' and 'Green Gem' do not adequately provide.
Innovation Solution
A naturally occurring branch mutation of Buxus microphylla var. koreana, designated as 'Bulthouse', exhibiting an upright, densely branching, and fast-growing habit with emerald green leaves, propagated through hardwood cuttings, offering enhanced growth characteristics and winter hardiness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If Buxus microphylla var. koreana 'Winter Gem' is used, then winter hardiness is maintained, but growth rate is slow and flowering occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The invention applies parameter changes by selecting and propagating a natural mutant variant with altered genetic parameters that result in suppressed flowering and accelerated growth rate while maintaining winter hardiness. The mutant 'Bulthouse' exhibits fundamentally different growth parameters compared to the parent 'Winter Gem' variety.
2Shape
If Buxus microphylla var. koreana 'Winter Gem' is used, then winter hardiness is maintained, but plant habit is less upright
Solution Approach 1:
The mutant 'Bulthouse' exhibits changed morphological parameters including a more upright plant habit while maintaining the winter hardiness trait through stable genetic inheritance. The selection process identified this specific parameter change in the natural mutant.
3Productivity
If Buxus microphylla var. koreana×Buxus sempervirens 'Green Gem' is used, then green foliage is maintained, but growth rate is slower and flowering occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The invention applies parameter changes by utilizing a natural mutant with altered developmental parameters that eliminate flowering and accelerate growth. The mutant 'Bulthouse' shows fundamentally different growth and reproductive parameters compared to the hybrid variety 'Green Gem'.
Data Source
AI summary
A new and distinct cultivar of Buxus plant named ‘Bulthouse’, characterized by its upright, mounded and uniform plant habit; freely branching habit; dense and bushy appearance; vigorous growth habit and relatively fast growth rate; emerald green-colored leaves; and good winter hardiness.