Origin and Common Names
Dodonaea eriocarpa Sm. var. lanaiensis Sherff, also known as Lana`i Hop Bush, is a species of flowering plant that is endemic to the Hawaiian island of Lana`i. It belongs to the family Sapindaceae, and its scientific name is derived from the Greek word "dodonai" which means "give."
General Appearance
The plant is a large shrub or small tree that can grow up to 20 feet tall. It has slender branches and long, narrow leaves that are about 2 to 4 inches in length. The leaves are dark green, shiny, and have fine hairs on the surface. The flowers are small and greenish-yellow, appearing in small clusters in the axils of the leaves. The fruit is a three-lobed capsule that is about 0.5 inches in length and contains small black seeds.
Uses
The Lana`i Hop Bush is a versatile plant that has many uses. Its wood is hard and durable, making it suitable for construction, tool handles, and furniture. Its leaves and bark have been used for medicinal purposes, such as to treat skin ailments and sore throats. The plant also has cultural significance among Hawaiians, who use it in ceremonies and as a symbol of strength and longevity. Additionally, the plant is an important source of food for native insects, birds, and other wildlife.
Light Requirements
Dodonaea eriocarpa Sm. var. lanaiensis Sherff prefers full sun to partial shade and can tolerate some shade. It grows well in areas that receive at least 6 hours of direct sunlight every day.
Temperature Requirements
This plant is native to the Hawaiian Islands and is well adapted to warm and tropical climates. It grows best in temperatures between 68°F and 80°F (20°C to 27°C) during the day and not below 55°F (13°C) at night. Dodonaea eriocarpa is not frost-tolerant and cannot survive in extreme cold conditions.
Soil Requirements
Dodonaea eriocarpa Sm. var. lanaiensis Sherff grows well in a variety of soils, including sandy, loamy, and rocky soils. However, it thrives in well-draining soil mixtures that are rich in organic matter. The plant prefers a slightly acidic to neutral pH level of 6 to 7.5. They are drought-tolerant once established, making them suitable for xeriscaping landscapes, but they require regular watering for the first few months after planting.
Cultivation
Dodonaea eriocarpa Sm. var. lanaiensis Sherff prefers temperate to warm climates with adequate moisture. It thrives in well-draining soils that are rich in organic matter.
The plant can grow up to 20 feet tall and 10 feet wide. It is best propagated through seeds or stem cuttings.
To cultivate the plant from seeds, soak them in warm water for 24 hours before planting them in potting soil. Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged until the seeds germinate.
For stem cuttings, take a 6- to 8-inch section from a mature plant and plant it in a container with potting soil. Keep the soil moist and place the container in a location where it can receive filtered sunlight.
Watering Needs
Dodonaea eriocarpa Sm. var. lanaiensis Sherff requires moderate watering. The soil should be kept moist, but not waterlogged, during the growing season.
During the winter months, reduce watering to prevent the roots from rotting. Water the plant only when the soil feels dry to the touch.
Fertilization
Fertilizing the plant is not necessary, but it can benefit from a light application of a balanced fertilizer during the growing season.
Avoid over-fertilizing as it can cause the leaves to turn yellow and drop prematurely. Follow the instructions on the fertilizer package for the recommended amount and frequency of application.
Pruning
Pruning Dodonaea eriocarpa Sm. var. lanaiensis Sherff is not required, but it can help maintain its shape and size.
Prune the plant in late winter or early spring before new growth appears. Remove any dead or damaged branches and shape the plant as desired.
When pruning, use clean and sharp pruning shears to prevent injuring the plant.
Propagation of Dodonaea eriocarpa Sm. var. lanaiensis Sherff
Dodonaea eriocarpa Sm. var. lanaiensis Sherff, commonly known as the Lanai Hopbush, is a shrub-like plant belonging to the Soapberry family. The plant mostly propagated by stem cuttings since the propagation by seeds is ineffective. The following are the main propagation methods used in Dodonaea eriocarpa Sm. var. lanaiensis Sherff.
Stem Cuttings Method
The stem cutting method is the most effective way of propagating the Dodonaea eriocarpa Sm. var. lanaiensis Sherff. The stem cutting method involves cutting a healthy stem from the mother plant and planting it in favorable conditions to grow roots. The best time to take stem cuttings has been shown to be during the summer and the fall seasons.
The stem cuttings should be made from young but mature and healthy branches of the mother plant. The cutting should be about 8 inches long and should have at least four to six leaves growing on the top half of the stem. Remove the lower leaves from the cutting and dip the end of the stem into rooting hormone powder before planting.
Air Layering Method
The air layering method is another effective way of propagating Dodonaea eriocarpa Sm. var. lanaiensis Sherff. This propagation method is preferred for mature plants that cannot be propagated by stem cuttings. The air layering method involves wounding and applying a rooting hormone to a section of the stem, which is then wrapped in moist sphagnum moss.
The moist moss is then wrapped with a plastic wrap that helps keep moisture while preventing an entry of light. After the roots appear, the rooted section of the stem is cut from the mother plant and planted in new soil to grow. This propagation method used in Dodonaea eriocarpa Sm. var. lanaiensis Sherff is suitable for larger plants.
Disease and Pest Management for Dodonaea eriocarpa Sm. var. lanaiensis Sherff
Dodonaea eriocarpa Sm. var. lanaiensis Sherff, commonly known as Lanai Hopbush or Kauila, is known for its drought tolerance and ability to thrive in a variety of soils. However, like any other plant, it is not immune to pests and diseases. Here are some common pests and diseases that affect the plant and ways to manage them:
Pests
Aphids: These small insects can cause leaves to curl and distort. They also secrete honeydew, which attracts ants and sooty mold. To manage aphids, you can wash them off the plant with a strong stream of water or use insecticidal soap.
Scale Insects: These pests can cause leaves to yellow and die. They also secrete honeydew, which attracts ants and sooty mold. To manage scale insects, you can scrape them off the plant with a soft-bristled brush or use insecticidal soap.
Diseases
Anthracnose: This fungal disease causes brown, sunken spots on leaves and stems. To manage anthracnose, you can remove infected plant parts and improve air circulation around the plant.
Leaf Spot: This fungal disease causes brown, circular spots on leaves. To manage leaf spot, you can remove infected plant parts and avoid overhead watering.
Powdery Mildew: This fungal disease causes a white, powdery coating on leaves. To manage powdery mildew, you can improve air circulation around the plant and avoid overhead watering.
By regularly monitoring your Dodonaea eriocarpa Sm. var. lanaiensis Sherff and taking action against pests and diseases, you can ensure the health and longevity of your plant.
