Plant Description
Dodonaea eriocarpa Sm. var. hillebrandii Sherff is a tropical evergreen shrub that belongs to the family Sapindaceae. The plant is native to the Pacific Islands of Hawaii, where it is endemic. The shrub can grow up to 10 feet tall and has a spread of about 6 feet, making it an excellent plant for borders and hedges.
Common Names
Dodonaea eriocarpa Sm. var. hillebrandii Sherff is commonly known as Hillebrand's A'ali'i. It also goes by other names such as Sticky Hop Bush, Hop Seed Bush, and A'ali'i Hop Bush.
Uses
Hillebrand's A'ali'i is a multi-purpose plant with many traditional uses. The plant is used in traditional Hawaiian medicine to treat various ailments such as wounds, skin rashes, and bruises. The leaves and bark of the plant are used to make topical ointments and poultices. The plant's wood is also used to make furniture, and the bark is used to make cordage.
General Appearance
Dodonaea eriocarpa Sm. var. hillebrandii Sherff has narrow, oblong-shaped leaves that are about 1 to 4 inches long. The leaves are a dull green color, sometimes turning reddish-brown with age. The plant produces small clusters of flowers that are greenish-yellow in color. The flowers are followed by 3-winged fruits that are about 0.5 inches long. The plant's bark is smooth and gray, and the branches are thin and flexible.
Light Requirements
Dodonaea eriocarpa Sm. var. hillebrandii Sherff requires full sun to partial shade for optimal growth. They can tolerate plenty of sunshine in the morning or afternoon but prefer partial shade protection during midday hours.
Temperature Requirements
The best temperature range for growth of Dodonaea eriocarpa Sm. var. hillebrandii Sherff is between 15 and 25 degrees Celsius. They cannot survive in extreme cold or hot temperatures.
Soil Requirements
Dodonaea eriocarpa Sm. var. hillebrandii Sherff grows well in well-draining soils that are moderately fertile. They can tolerate different soil types, including sandy or loamy soils. However, the plant does not thrive in heavy clay soils. The pH range should be between 6.5 and 7.5, which is considered mildly acidic to slightly alkaline.
Cultivation methods
Dodonaea eriocarpa Sm. var. hillebrandii Sherff is a shrub that is native to Hawaii. It prefers well-drained soils with a pH between 6.0 and 7.5. The shrub can be propagated from stem cuttings or seeds. If grown from seeds, you should scarify them before planting to increase germination rates. The shrub grows in full sun to partial shade and can tolerate periods of drought.
Watering needs
The Dodonaea eriocarpa Sm. var. hillebrandii Sherff shrub is drought-tolerant but still requires occasional watering. The shrub should be watered deeply once a week during the hot summer months. During the cool winter months, the shrub may only need to be watered every two to three weeks. Make sure to water the plant at the base and avoid getting any water on the foliage to prevent diseases.
Fertilization
Fertilization is not usually necessary for the Dodonaea eriocarpa Sm. var. hillebrandii Sherff shrub; however, if you want to encourage more growth, you can apply a slow-release fertilizer in the spring. Fertilizers that are high in nitrogen should be avoided to prevent the shrub from becoming too leggy.
Pruning
Pruning the Dodonaea eriocarpa Sm. var. hillebrandii Sherff shrub should be done in the late winter or early spring before new growth emerges. The shrub can be pruned to maintain its shape or reduce its size. To maintain the shrub's shape, prune back any branching that is outside the desired form. To reduce the shrub's size, prune back the branches to a point just above a leaf node. Avoid pruning more than one-third of the shrub's overall size at any one time.
Propagation of Dodonaea eriocarpa Sm. var. hillebrandii Sherff
Dodonaea eriocarpa Sm. var. hillebrandii Sherff, commonly known as Hawaiian a'ali'i, is a beautiful evergreen shrub that is commonly found in Hawaii. Propagation of this plant can be done using various methods, including seed propagation and vegetative propagation.
Seed propagation
The most common propagation method used for Dodonaea eriocarpa Sm. var. hillebrandii Sherff is through seed propagation. Collect the matured and fully ripe seeds and proceed with the following steps:
- Start by cleaning and scarifying the seed coat to enhance germination
- Soak the seeds for several hours to loosen the seed coat
- Plant the seeds in a well-draining potting mix in a suitable pot or container
- Keep the pot in a warm, bright area with consistent moisture levels
- Germination time will vary depending on several factors such as temperature, light, and moisture conditions with an average time of around 2-3 weeks
- Once the seedling has produced 3-4 leaves, you may transplant them into the desired location.
Vegetative propagation
Another propagation method used for Dodonaea eriocarpa Sm. var. hillebrandii Sherff is vegetative propagation. The following methods can be used for vegetative propagation:
Cuttings
Collect the stem cuttings from the parent plant during the early morning and follow these steps:
- Take a 4-6 inches cutting of the stem with at least two nodes
- Remove the leaves from the lower node of the cutting and dip it in rooting hormone powder
- Plant the cutting in well-draining soil in a small container and keep in shade
- Water the cuttings regularly and maintain consistent moisture levels
- Once the cuttings have developed enough roots, transplant them in desired location.
Layering
Layering is another vegetative propagation method, and it can be done using one of the following techniques:
- Air layering
- Mound layering
Both methods are effective in producing a new Hawaiian a'ali'i plant and involve encouraging roots to grow from a stem while still attached to the parent plant. Once roots have developed, the plant can be separated from the parent and repotted in a desired location.
Overall, Dodonaea eriocarpa Sm. var. hillebrandii Sherff is not difficult to propagate, but it requires care and patience to ensure successful germination or rooting of cuttings.
Disease and Pest Management for Dodonaea eriocarpa Sm. var. hillebrandii Sherff Plant
Dodonaea eriocarpa Sm. var. hillebrandii Sherff is a drought-tolerant plant with a distinctive burgundy foliage that adds interest to the garden. The plant is generally resistant to pest and disease attacks, but it is not completely immune. Here are some common diseases and pests that might affect the plant and how to manage them.
Leaf Spot Diseases
Leaf spot is a common problem that affects many plants, including Dodonaea eriocarpa. The fungal disease appears as small, round spots on the leaves, which may merge to form larger areas of dead tissue. The disease progresses quickly, and if left untreated, it can cause defoliation, weakening the plant.
The best way to manage leaf spot diseases is to remove and destroy the affected leaves as soon as possible. Avoid overhead watering and ensure proper air circulation around the plant. Fungicides may also be helpful in preventing the spread of the disease.
Caterpillars
Caterpillars are another common pest that can affect Dodonaea eriocarpa. The larvae of various moth species feed on the plant's leaves, causing unsightly chewed areas and weakening the plant.
Handpick the caterpillars when spotted on the plant. You can also use Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt), a natural bacterial pesticide that specifically targets caterpillars. Apply the product according to label instructions.
Spider Mites
Spider mites are tiny, sap-sucking pests that can cause severe damage to the plant. They are common in hot, dry weather, and their feeding activity can cause leaves to yellow and drop prematurely.
To manage spider mites, ensure the plant is adequately watered and misted to keep the humidity levels high. Wipe the leaves with a damp cloth or spray them with a strong stream of water to dislodge the mites. Insecticidal soaps and horticultural oils may also be effective in controlling these pests.
Conclusion
Disease and pest management for Dodonaea eriocarpa Sm. var. hillebrandii Sherff requires close observation and timely intervention. By following the above measures, you can ensure the plant remains healthy and free of diseases and pests.
