Origin
Diospyros sandwicensis (A. DC.) Fosberg var. obtusa (Fosberg) St. John, commonly known as Lama, is a flowering plant species that is endemic to the Hawaiian Islands. It is found on the islands of Kauai, Oahu, Maui, and Hawaii.
Common Names
Aside from Lama, Diospyros sandwicensis also goes by other common names such as Halewai, Olopua, and Hawaiian Ebony.
Uses
The wood from this plant has been used traditionally for various purposes such as in the construction of weapons, paddles, and furniture. The leaves have been used to make tea, which was believed to have medicinal properties. The fruit of the plant is also edible and has been consumed by Native Hawaiians. Today, the lama wood is often used in decorative woodworking and sold as souvenirs to tourists.
General Appearance
Diospyros sandwicensis is a small to medium-sized tree, growing up to 30 feet in height with a spread of up to 20 feet. Its bark is smooth and gray, while its leaves are dark green and glossy, with a leathery texture. The tree produces small white flowers that grow in clusters and develop into round fruit that is about an inch in diameter. The fruit turns yellowish-orange when ripe and is filled with a sweet pulp that surrounds a hard seed. The wood of the Lama tree is dark brown and has fine, even-grained texture.
Light Conditions
Diospyros sandwicensis var. obtusa prefers full sunlight for optimal growth and development. In its natural habitat, it can be found growing in open, sunny areas that provide ample access to sunlight. This plant can tolerate partial shade but may not grow as vigorously in such conditions.
Temperature Requirements
The optimal temperature range for Diospyros sandwicensis var. obtusa is between 68 to 78 degrees Fahrenheit. This species can tolerate a range of temperatures, from cool coastal regions to hotter inland areas. Extreme heat or cold can prevent proper growth and development.
Soil Requirements
Diospyros sandwicensis var. obtusa prefers well-drained, nutrient-rich soils. It can tolerate a range of soil types, including sandy, loamy, and volcanic soils. The soil pH should be slightly acidic, ranging from 5.5 to 6.5. This plant prefers soil that is moist but not waterlogged, as excess moisture can lead to root rot.
Cultivation
Diospyros sandwicensis var. obtusa is a slow-growing evergreen tree that can reach up to 30 feet tall. It is endemic to Hawaii and grows best in hot and humid tropical climates.
The ideal planting location should receive partial to full sun and have well-drained soil. The plant can be propagated via seeds or stem cuttings in the early spring.
Watering Needs
Water the plant regularly, especially during dry periods. The soil should be kept evenly moist but not waterlogged to prevent root rot. Overwatering should be avoided as it can damage the plant's roots.
Fertilization
Diospyros sandwicensis var. obtusa requires regular fertilization to ensure healthy growth. Apply a balanced fertilizer during the growing season, which is from early spring to late summer. Avoid over-fertilizing, as this will cause the plant to produce excessive foliage instead of fruit.
Pruning
To promote healthy growth and fruit production, prune Diospyros sandwicensis var. obtusa regularly. Remove any dead or damaged branches, as well as any suckers that grow from the base of the tree.
Prune the tree lightly after the fruiting season to shape it and remove any crossed or rubbing branches. Avoid heavy pruning as this may reduce future fruit production.
Propagation of Diospyros sandwicensis var. obtusa
Diospyros sandwicensis var. obtusa, commonly known as Hawaii persimmon or k?manamana, is a small tree or shrub that is native to Hawaii. The plant can be propagated through several methods, including seeds, cuttings, and grafting.
Propagation by Seeds
Propagation by seeds is one of the easiest and the most common methods of propagating Diospyros sandwicensis var. obtusa. The seeds can be collected from ripe fruit and sown immediately in a well-draining, fertile soil mixture. The soil should be kept consistently moist until germination, which can take anywhere from 1 to 3 months. It is important to note that the seeds require stratification, which means they need to be exposed to cold temperatures for a period of time before they will germinate.
Propagation by Cuttings
Propagation by cuttings is also possible with Diospyros sandwicensis var. obtusa. Semi-hardwood cuttings, taken in the summer, have a higher success rate than softwood cuttings. The cutting should be taken from the current year's growth and should be approximately 6 inches long. The lower leaves should be removed and the cutting should be dipped in rooting hormone before being planted in a well-draining soil mixture. The cutting should be kept consistently moist and covered with plastic until roots have formed.
Propagation by Grafting
Propagation by grafting is a more advanced method of propagating Diospyros sandwicensis var. obtusa. The plant is typically grafted onto rootstock of another related species, such as Diospyros kaki (Japanese persimmon). The scion, or the desired plant, is joined to the rootstock using the cleft or saddle grafting method. The grafted plant should be kept in a warm, humid environment until the graft has healed and new growth has begun.
Disease Management
Diospyros sandwicensis var. obtusa is generally a hardy plant that can resist several diseases. However, occasionally, it might be affected by some diseases that can damage the plant. The following are some common diseases that might affect the plant:
- Leaf spot: This disease causes small reddish-brown spots on the leaves, which later turn into large holes. It can affect the plant's growth by reducing its photosynthesis capacity. Management of leaf spot includes removing infected leaves and avoiding overhead irrigation. Fungicides, such as chlorothalonil, can also control this disease.
- Root rot: Root rot is a fungal disease that causes the root system to decay, leading to the death of the plant. It usually occurs when the soil is waterlogged or poorly drained. To manage root rot, avoid overwatering and ensure proper drainage. Fungicides, such as copper-based chemicals, can also control this disease.
- Anthracnose: Anthracnose is a fungal disease that causes dark irregular lesions on the leaves, stems, and fruits of the plant. It can cause the defoliation of the plant and reduce its yield. Management of this disease includes removing infected plant parts and using fungicides, such as mancozeb and copper hydroxide.
Pest Management
Diospyros sandwicensis var. obtusa is generally resistant to pests. However, there are some common pests that might attack the plant:
- Spider mites: Spider mites are tiny pests that suck the sap from the leaves, causing them to turn yellow and fall off. They reproduce quickly and can damage the plant by reducing its photosynthesis capacity. Management of spider mites includes spraying the plant with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
- Scale insects: Scale insects are small pests that feed on the sap of the plant, causing its leaves to turn yellow and wilt. They usually form a hard, protective shell that covers their bodies, making it difficult to control them. Management of scale insects includes using horticultural oil or insecticidal soap.
- Leafhoppers: Leafhoppers are small, winged insects that suck the sap from the leaves, causing them to turn yellow and wither. Management of leafhoppers includes removing infected plant parts and using insecticides, such as pyrethroids and neonicotinoids.
It is essential to identify and manage plant diseases and pests early to prevent them from causing severe damage to the plant. The best way to manage these problems is to maintain proper plant hygiene and promptly remove infected plant parts. Fungicides and insecticides can be used as a last resort if the problem persists despite good plant hygiene practices.
