Overview
Chamaesyce celastroides (Boiss.) Croizat & Deg. var. kohalana (Sherff) O.& I. Deg. is a small plant species that belongs to the family Euphorbiaceae. It is commonly known as the ‘Hawaiian Spurge’ or 'Kohala 'Akoko'.
Appearance
The plant has green leaves that are rounded, and small flowers that are yellow-green in color. It is a small herbaceous annual or perennial plant that grows up to 30 cm tall and spreads around to form small mats. The stems are reddish-brown in color and are covered in tiny hairs that are hard to see with the naked eye.
Origin
The Hawaiian Spurge is native to Hawaii and can mostly be found on the islands of Kauai, Maui, Molokai, and Hawaii. It is also known to be found on other Pacific Islands such as the Austral Islands, Cook Islands, Marquesas Islands, Samoa, Society Islands, and Tuamotu.
Uses
The plant has been traditionally used in Hawaii for its medicinal properties, particularly for treating stomach pains, constipation, and urinary tract infections. The sap of the plant is also known to have antibacterial properties and can be used to treat cuts and wounds.
The plant is also grown for ornamental purposes due to its unique appearance, and is sometimes used as a ground cover in gardens and landscapes.
Typical Growth Conditions of Chamaesyce celastroides (Boiss.) Croizat & Deg. var. kohalana (Sherff) O. & I. Deg.
Chamaesyce celastroides var. kohalana is a species of plant that belongs to the Euphorbia family. It is commonly known by different names such as Kohala Sandmat, Kohala Dwarf Spurge, and Hawaii Sand Spurge. This plant is endemic to Hawaii and is found growing in dry coastal areas.
Light Requirements
Chamaesyce celastroides var. kohalana requires full sunlight to grow and thrive. It needs at least six hours of direct sunlight per day. This plant does not grow well in areas with shade, as it needs intense light to photosynthesize and produce food.
Temperature Requirements
The typical growth conditions for Chamaesyce celastroides var. kohalana involve warm to hot temperatures. This plant can tolerate a wide range of temperatures but thrives in temperatures ranging from 20°C to 32°C. Freezing temperatures can damage the plant and cause it to die.
Soil Requirements
Chamaesyce celastroides var. kohalana prefers well-drained soils with low to medium fertility. It can grow in a wide range of soils, including sandy, rocky, and clay soils. However, the soil must be well-draining, as waterlogged soils can lead to root rot and other diseases. This plant is well adapted to Hawaii's dry coastal soils and can grow in areas with low soil moisture.
In conclusion, Chamaesyce celastroides var. kohalana requires full sunlight, warm to hot temperatures, and well-drained soils to grow and thrive. It is a plant that is well adapted to Hawaii's dry coastal areas and can grow in a wide range of soils with low to medium fertility.
Cultivation Methods
The Chamaesyce celastroides (Boiss.) Croizat & Deg. var. kohalana (Sherff) O.& I. Deg. is a succulent plant that prefers to grow in well-drained soil. It is tolerant of both sandy and clay soils, as long as they are not waterlogged. It can grow up to 1.5 feet in height and 2 feet in width and is best grown in full to partial sun exposure.
Watering Needs
The Chamaesyce celastroides (Boiss.) Croizat & Deg. var. kohalana (Sherff) O.& I. Deg. is a drought-resistant plant that can adapt to long periods of dry weather. It is crucial to water the plant sparingly and avoid overwatering. During the growing season (spring to fall), water the plant when the top two inches of soil feel dry to the touch, and only water again when the soil is entirely dry. During the dormant season (winter), reduce watering to once a month.
Fertilization
The Chamaesyce celastroides (Boiss.) Croizat & Deg. var. kohalana (Sherff) O.& I. Deg. does not require any fertilization, but feeding it once a year with a balanced fertilizer during the growing period can strengthen the plant's roots and spur growth. Overfertilization can lead to excessive growth and alter the plant's natural shape.
Pruning
The Chamaesyce celastroides (Boiss.) Croizat & Deg. var. kohalana (Sherff) O.& I. Deg. requires minimal pruning and can thrive without it. However, pruning can improve the plant's shape and promote new growth. Prune the plant after the blooming season and remove any dead, damaged, or diseased branches. Also, restrain the plant's growth by trimming back any overgrown branches that extend beyond the plant's desired size.
Propagation of Chamaesyce celastroides var. kohalana
Chamaesyce celastroides var. kohalana can be propagated by various methods, including through seeds, cuttings, layering, and division.
Propagation by Seeds
Seeds of Chamaesyce celastroides var. kohalana can be collected from mature plants and sown in a well-draining soil mix. The seeds should be sown at a depth of 1/8 inch and kept moist until germination occurs, which usually takes two to three weeks. Once seedlings have developed a few true leaves, they can be transplanted into individual pots or into the ground.
Propagation by Cuttings
Cuttings can be taken from mature plants of Chamaesyce celastroides var. kohalana and rooted in a well-draining soil mix. Cuttings should be taken in the early morning when the plant is most hydrated, and the cuttings should be at least 4 inches long. Remove the leaves from the bottom half of the cutting and dip the cut end into rooting hormone. Plant the cutting in the soil mix, water well, and keep the soil moist until roots have developed.
Propagation by Layering
Layering is a method of propagation that involves encouraging roots to grow on a stem while it is still attached to the parent plant. To layer Chamaesyce celastroides var. kohalana, choose a low-hanging stem and create a small wound in the bark. Dust the wound with rooting hormone and cover the wound with soil or a mixture of soil and sphagnum moss. Keep the soil or moss moist until roots have developed, and then cut the stem from the parent plant and plant it in its new home.
Propagation by Division
Dividing Chamaesyce celastroides var. kohalana is another method of propagation. Simply dig up the plant and use a sharp knife or garden shears to cut the plant into sections, making sure that each section has some roots attached. Replant the sections immediately in a well-draining soil mix and water well.
Disease and Pest Management for Chamaesyce celastroides var. kohalana
Chamaesyce celastroides var. kohalana, also known as Kohala sandmat, is a succulent plant that is native to Hawaii. While it is a hardy plant that can tolerate dry conditions and poor soil, it is not immune to pests and diseases. Here are some common diseases and pests that might affect the Chamaesyce celastroides var. kohalana plant and ways to manage them:
Diseases
Fungal infections are a common problem for Chamaesyce celastroides var. kohalana. Symptoms include wilting, yellowing, and spotting on leaves. To prevent fungal infections, avoid getting water on the leaves when irrigating the plant. It's also a good idea to plant the Chamaesyce celastroides var. kohalana in well-draining soil and provide good airflow around the plant. If you do notice a fungal infection, prune affected areas and treat the plant with a fungicide.
Pests
Two common pests that can affect Chamaesyce celastroides var. kohalana are spider mites and mealybugs. Spider mites are tiny insects that can cause damage by sucking the sap from leaves, causing them to turn yellow and fall off. Mealybugs are small, white, cottony insects that also suck sap from the leaves and stems, causing yellowing and wilting. To prevent spider mites and mealybugs, keep the plant in a humid environment and avoid over-fertilizing or overwatering the plant. If you do notice an infestation, prune affected areas and treat the plant with an insecticidal soap or insecticide.
