Overview of Alectryon macrococcus Radlk. var. macrococcus
Alectryon macrococcus Radlk. var. macrococcus is a small tree species that belongs to the Sapindaceae family. It is also commonly known as the Tahitian alectryon, Polynesian alectryon, or Nuku Iva alectryon. This plant is native to the Cook Islands, Samoa, French Polynesia, and the Society Islands.
Description of Alectryon macrococcus Radlk. var. macrococcus
The Alectryon macrococcus Radlk. var. macrococcus tree can grow up to 10 meters tall and has a rounded crown. Its bark is grayish-brown and has deep fissures with scaly ridges. The leaves of this plant are compound, with 7-13 leaflets, and are glossy and dark green in color. The small and greenish-white flowers of the Alectryon macrococcus Radlk. var. macrococcus bloom in spring and summer, followed by round and fleshy fruit that is bright red when ripe.
Uses of Alectryon macrococcus Radlk. var. macrococcus
The fruit of the Alectryon macrococcus Radlk. var. macrococcus tree has been traditionally used as a food source in the Pacific Islands. The seeds of the fruit have also been used for medicinal purposes to relieve constipation, and the bark has been used to treat skin conditions and asthma. In addition, the wood of this plant is used for carving and making utensils.
Currently, the Alectryon macrococcus Radlk. var. macrococcus is being assessed for its potential use in reforestation and landscaping purposes due to its ornamental qualities and tolerance to salt spray.
Growth Conditions for Alectryon macrococcus Radlk. var. macrococcus
Alectryon macrococcus Radlk. var. macrococcus, commonly known as the Hawaiian ??hi?a Lehua, is a small tree that is native to Hawaii. It typically grows up to 30 feet tall and prefers moist, shady environments. Here are some detailed growth conditions for the ??hi?a Lehua:
Light
The ??hi?a Lehua can grow in full sun or partial shade. However, it prefers at least partial shade, especially when it is young. When the tree is mature, it can handle full sun, but it still prefers some shade during the hottest parts of the day.
Temperature
The ??hi?a Lehua is a tropical tree that prefers warm temperatures. The optimal temperature range for growth is between 65 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. The tree will still grow outside this temperature range, but growth may slow down or become stunted.
Soil requirements
The ??hi?a Lehua prefers well-drained, slightly acidic soils with a pH range of 4.5 to 7.5. The tree is adapted to many soil types, including sandy, loamy, and clay soils. The tree can also grow in soils that are nutrient-poor, but it will benefit from occasional fertilization.
Cultivation
Alectryon macrococcus Radlk. var. macrococcus is a tropical plant that prefers warm temperatures and high humidity. It can grow up to 15 meters tall and requires ample space to spread its branches. When cultivating this plant, it is crucial to select a site that receives bright but indirect sunlight. A well-draining and nutrient-rich soil mixture is also essential.
The plant can be propagated from seeds or cuttings. Seeds have a higher success rate when sown in the spring, but cuttings can be taken any time of the year. To propagate by cuttings, select a healthy stem, make a clean cut below a node, and plant in moist soil. Provide the cutting with adequate moisture and warmth until roots develop, usually after a few weeks.
Watering Needs
Alectryon macrococcus Radlk. var. macrococcus requires moderate watering. The soil should be kept moist, but not soaked, during the growing season. During the dormant period, the plant can tolerate drier conditions but should not be left to fully dry out.
It is important to avoid overwatering this plant as it can lead to root rot. It is best to wait until the soil has started to dry out before watering again.
Fertilization
This plant requires regular fertilization to thrive. A balanced fertilizer that contains equal parts nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium is ideal. Fertilizer should be applied every two weeks during the growing season. However, during the dormant period, reduce the frequency to once every month.
It is essential not to over-fertilize the plant as it can lead to salt buildup in the soil and damage the roots. Always read the instructions on the fertilizer package carefully before applying.
Pruning
Pruning Alectryon macrococcus Radlk. var. macrococcus is recommended to maintain its shape and promote healthy growth. Pruning should be done during the dormant period or early spring before new growth appears. It is essential to use clean and sharp pruning shears to minimize damage to the plant.
The plant can be pruned to remove any dead or damaged branches. The remaining branches should be cut back to promote lateral growth and maintain a desirable shape. Avoid cutting back more than a third of the plant at a time as it can cause stress and lead to stunted growth.
Propagation of Alectryon macrococcus Radlk. var. macrococcus
The Alectryon macrococcus Radlk. var. macrococcus plant can be propagated through seed, cutting, and grafting methods.
Seed Propagation
The seed propagation method involves collecting seeds from mature and healthy plants during the fruiting season. The seeds should be cleaned and planted immediately in well-draining soil mix and watered regularly. Germination usually occurs within 2-4 weeks, and the seedlings can be transplanted to individual pots once they reach 2-3 inches in height.
Cutting Propagation
The cutting propagation method involves taking a stem cutting from healthy and mature plants during the growing season. The stem should be 6-8 inches long, and the lower leaves should be removed. The cutting should be dipped in a rooting hormone and planted in a well-draining soil mix. The cutting should be kept in a humid environment with a consistent moisture supply until roots develop, which usually takes 4-6 weeks.
Grafting Propagation
The grafting propagation method involves combining a scion from a desirable plant with a rootstock of a closely related but hardier species. This method is often used to propagate Alectryon macrococcus Radlk. var. macrococcus with a stronger root system to increase its resistance to diseases and pests. The process involves making a clean cut on both the scion and rootstock, joining them, and wrapping them together with a grafting tape. The grafted plant should be kept in a humid environment with a consistent moisture supply until the graft is successful.
Disease Management
Alectryon macrococcus Radlk. var. macrococcus is susceptible to a few diseases, including root rot and stem canker. These diseases can be caused by fungi that live in the soil or attack the plant above ground. In order to manage these diseases, it is important to maintain good soil drainage, avoid overwatering, and monitor the plant for signs of infection.
If root rot is suspected, the plant should be removed from the soil and the roots should be inspected. Infected roots should be removed and the plant should be replanted in fresh, well-draining soil. To manage stem canker, infected branches should be pruned back to healthy wood and the pruned area should be treated with a fungicide.
Pest Management
Like most plants, Alectryon macrococcus Radlk. var. macrococcus can be affected by a variety of pests. Some common pests include aphids, mealybugs, and whiteflies. These pests can cause damage to the leaves and stems of the plant, and can also spread disease.
To manage these pests, it is important to regularly inspect the plant for signs of infestation. Any affected leaves or stems should be pruned and discarded. Insecticidal soap can be used to control aphids and mealybugs, while yellow sticky traps can be used to trap whiteflies.
In addition to these pests, the plant is also vulnerable to damage from snails and slugs. These pests can be controlled by limiting their access to the plant through physical barriers or by using an organic slug and snail bait.
