Origin
Clermontia oblongifolia Gaud. ssp. brevipes (F. Wimmer) Lammers, commonly known as the Oahu swamp fern or ?h? wai, is a species of flowering plant native to the Hawaiian Islands.
Common Names
This plant is commonly referred to as the Oahu swamp fern or ?h? wai, due to its habitat in the wetlands of Oahu.
Uses
The ?h? wai plant is highly valued in Hawaiian culture for its decorative purposes. Historically, it was used to make hula skirts, lei, and other woven decorations. The plant's leaves are also used for medicinal purposes, such as treating kidney ailments and rheumatism. However, due to its rare and endangered status, the plant is now protected by state and federal laws, making it illegal to harvest or remove from its natural environment without proper permits.
General Appearance
The ?h? wai plant is a perennial herb that can reach heights of up to 3 feet. It has broad leaves that can grow up to 12 inches long and 2.5 inches wide. The leaves are shiny and dark green in color, with a slightly serrated edge. The plant produces small, white flowers that are clustered together at the end of a long stem. As the plant ages, it can produce aerial roots that help it climb and support itself in its swampy habitat.
Light Requirements
The Clermontia oblongifolia Gaud. ssp. brevipes requires high levels of light to grow efficiently. The plant thrives in partially shaded environments such as those found in forest clearings, edges, or gaps where it gets ample sunlight, but also shaded by trees. It can also survive in full sun, but this should be avoided as it may lead to scorching of the plant leaves.
Temperature Requirements
The Clermontia oblongifolia Gaud. ssp. brevipes plant grows well in cool to moderately warm temperatures. It is adapted to a temperate climate zone with an average temperature range of 13 °C (55 °F) to 21 °C (70 °F). The plant is frost sensitive, and temperatures below -1.1 °C (30 °F) can cause damage or kill the plant.
Soil Requirements
The Clermontia oblongifolia Gaud. ssp. brevipes plant grows best in well-draining soils that are rich in organic matter. The soil pH should be slightly acidic, with a range of 6.0 to 6.5. The plant is adapted to grow in volcanic soils with high levels of nutrients. Therefore, the soil should be amended with organic matter before planting, and the plant should be fertilized regularly with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer.
Cultivation
Clermontia oblongifolia Gaud. ssp. brevipes (F. Wimmer) Lammers is a tropical plant that requires a warm climate and moderate humidity. It grows well in areas with filtered sunlight or partial shade.
The plant prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. The soil should be kept moist but not waterlogged, as this can cause root rot. The plant can be propagated by seed or by stem cuttings taken during the growing season.
Watering Needs
Clermontia oblongifolia Gaud. ssp. brevipes (F. Wimmer) Lammers requires regular watering, particularly during the growing season. The soil should be kept evenly moist, but not overly wet, as this can cause root rot. The frequency of watering may vary depending on the climate and soil type, but it is recommended to water at least once a week.
Fertilization
The plant benefits from regular fertilization during the growing season. A balanced fertilizer that has equal parts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium is ideal. Feed the plant every two weeks with the fertilizer solution. To avoid salt buildup, it is recommended to water the plant with plain water occasionally.
Pruning
Clermontia oblongifolia Gaud. ssp. brevipes (F. Wimmer) Lammers requires minimal pruning. Dead or damaged leaves and branches should be removed to promote healthy growth. Pruning can be done any time of the year, but it is recommended to prune after the blooming period ends.
Propagation of Clermontia oblongifolia Gaud. ssp. brevipes (F. Wimmer) Lammers
Clermontia oblongifolia Gaud. ssp. brevipes (F. Wimmer) Lammers, commonly named as short-stemmed kahilihiwa, is a rare endemic Hawaiian plant species that is threatened by habitat loss and degradation. To conserve this species, methods for its propagation have been developed to propagate more plants for on-site restoration and outplanting.
Seed Propagation
Seeds of Clermontia oblongifolia Gaud. ssp. brevipes can be collected from mature fruits and sown in a propagation mix. The propagation mix comprises of equal parts of perlite, peat moss, and vermiculite. Seeds in the propagation mix are watered from the bottom to allow even moisture distribution. The seed trays should be placed in an area with filtered light, temperatures of 16-27°C, and maintaining a relative humidity of 80%. The seedlings will emerge in 14 to 60 days, and once the plants reach a height of 200mm, they are ready for outplanting.
Cuttings Propagation
Propagation by cuttings is another method for producing clones of Clermontia oblongifolia Gaud. ssp. brevipes. The stem cuttings are taken by choosing healthy and mature stems. The cuttings of 60-100mm in length should be treated with a rooting hormone to enhance rooting. The cuttings are then planted in propagation containers containing moist sand or peat moss mixed in perlite. The propagation containers should be covered with a plastic bag to maintain a high level of humidity and placed in an area with filtered light. The cuttings will root within three to six weeks. Once roots are visible, the plants can be outplanted to the restoration sites.
Tissue culture propagation
Tissue culture propagation can complement conventional propagation methods like seed and cuttings. In this method, a small piece of leaf, stem, or any other plant part is taken aseptically and placed in a nutrient medium containing the required nutrients and plant hormones. Tissue culture has many advantages, such as producing large numbers of genetically identical plants, the production of disease-free plants, and the shortening of the production cycle. The disadvantage of tissue culture is that it requires a highly sophisticated laboratory facility.
Propagation of Clermontia oblongifolia Gaud. ssp. brevipes is critical for conserving the limited numbers of this rare species. A combination of the discussed methods can be used to increase the success of propagation to produce more plants for outplanting to the restoration sites.
Disease and Pest Management for Clermontia oblongifolia Gaud. ssp. brevipes
Clermontia oblongifolia Gaud. ssp. brevipes or short-stemmed kahilihiwa is a native Hawaiian plant that is vulnerable to a variety of pests and diseases. Here are some common ailments that affect the plant and ways to manage them.
Spider Mites
Spider mites are tiny arachnids that feed on the undersides of leaves and cause white, yellow, or brown stippling. They discard webs on leaves that are visible to the naked eye. To manage spider mites, wipe the leaves with a damp bycertain cloth, spray with insecticidal soap, and maintain high humidity around the plant. Keep the affected plant away from other plants to halt the spread.
Aphids
Aphids are pear-shaped insects that feed on leaves, stems, and flowers. They secrete a sticky substance known as honeydew, which attracts ants and causes black mold. To control aphids, spray the plant with a high-pressure water stream, apply insecticidal soap or neem oil, and release beneficial insects like ladybugs to prey on the aphids. Trim infested foliage, maintain proper plant hygiene, and avoid overcrowding the plants.
Leaf Spots
Leaf spots are a type of fungal disease that shows as brown or black spots on the surface of the leaves. The infected leaves may drop prematurely, exposing the plant to more diseases and pests. To manage leaf spots, remove and destroy the infected leaves, improve air circulation and drainage, avoid splashing water directly on the leaves, and apply a fungicide as per the directions.
Crown and Root Rots
Crown and root rots are caused by waterlogging and fungal infections in the soil. The infected plant appears wilted, stunted, and may drop its leaves. To manage crown and root rots, reduce the frequency of watering, and avoid overwatering the soil. Improve soil drainage, avoid using contaminated potting soil, apply a fungicide, remove and destroy infected parts of the plant.
Caterpillars
Caterpillars are the larval stage of moths or butterflies that feed on leaves, flowers, fruits, or the stem. They leave holes, tunnels, and Skeletonization behind. To control caterpillars manually remove them from the plant, spray insecticidal soap or Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) on the plant, maintain plant hygiene, and avoid planting too many caterpillar species preferred by nearby plants.
By following these measures, you can keep the short-stemmed kahilihiwa free from pests and diseases and ensure the healthy growth of the plant.
