Origin
Dubautia coriacea (Sherff) Keck is a species of flowering plant in the family Asteraceae. It is endemic to Hawaii, specifically found on the islands of Kauai and Niihau.
Common Names
The plant is commonly referred to as 'NA'ENA'E', which means "twisted" or "wrinkled" in Hawaiian, due to its twisted and gnarled appearance. It is also known as coriaceous dubautia or Sherff's Dubautia in English.
Uses
The plant does not have any significant medicinal or commercial uses, but is valued for its ornamental value and uniqueness. It is commonly grown as a garden plant in Hawaii due to its interesting appearance and hardiness.
General Appearance
Dubautia coriacea is a woody shrub that grows up to 3 meters tall. It has dark brown to grayish bark and small, glossy, lance-shaped leaves that are 4-8 cm in length. The branches are twisted and gnarled, giving the plant a distinctive and unusual appearance. Flowers grow in clusters on the branch tips and are small and yellowish-green in color. The plant typically blooms from May to September.
Light Requirements
Dubautia coriacea requires full sun to grow. The plant thrives in areas with at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day. Exposure to sunlight is crucial for photosynthesis, which provides the plant with energy and the ability to produce food.
Temperature Requirements
Dubautia coriacea grows well in temperatures ranging from 18°C to 23°C. The plant prefers warm temperatures, and it is sensitive to frost. It is essential to protect Dubautia coriacea from low temperatures to prevent damage to the plant.
Soil Requirements
The plant requires slightly acidic to neutral, well-drained soils for optimal growth. Dubautia coriacea prefers soils with sufficient organic matter, and it thrives in soils that are somewhat rocky or sandy. Good drainage is crucial since the plant is susceptible to root rot when grown in poorly drained soils.
Cultivation methods
Dubautia coriacea is a plant that grows well in well-drained soil. The ideal soil pH for this plant is between 5.5 and 6.5. The plant thrives in partial shade or full sunlight. It is essential to choose a spot that gets more than 6 hours of direct sunlight.
Propagation can be done through stem cuttings or from seeds. It is best to propagate in spring or summer when the plant is actively growing. The cuttings should be taken from the stem tips and should have at least two to three nodes.
Watering needs
Dubautia coriacea requires moderate watering. Water the plant when the top two inches of the soil are dry. Avoid overwatering as it can cause root rot. In the winter months, water the plant less frequently as it goes into dormancy.
Fertilization
The plant does not require much fertilizer. Fertilize it once a month with a balanced fertilizer during the growing season. Avoid fertilizing during winters or dormant periods.
Pruning
Pruning should be done carefully to avoid damaging or stunting plant growth. Prune the plant in late winter to early spring to remove any dead or damaged leaves and to shape the plant. Pruning should also be done to control the plant's height. Deadheading, or removing the spent flower heads, allows the plant to redirect its energy towards new growth and bloom.
Propagation of Dubautia coriacea
Dubautia coriacea (Sherff) Keck is a shrub that belongs to the family Asteraceae. It is endemic to Hawaii and grows in dry or subalpine regions. Propagation of this plant can be done through several methods such as seeds, cuttings, and division.
Propagation by seeds
The seeds of Dubautia coriacea can be collected from mature plants during the fall. The collected seeds should be stored in a dry and cool place until the spring. In the spring, the seeds can be sown in a well-draining soil mix and kept moist until germination. Germination can take up to four weeks. Seedlings can be transplanted into individual pots when they have grown their second set of leaves.
Propagation by cuttings
Dubautia coriacea can also be propagated through stem cuttings. Cuttings should be taken during the summer from the current year's growth. Cuttings should be taken from healthy, disease-free plants and should be free of flowers or buds. The cuttings should be dipped in a rooting hormone and inserted into a well-draining soil mix. The soil mix should be kept moist, and the cutting should be kept in a warm, humid environment until roots develop.
Propagation by division
Dubautia coriacea can also be propagated through division. To divide a mature plant, carefully dig up the plant and separate the roots into sections. Each section should have a healthy root system and a portion of the stem. The divided plants should be planted in a well-draining soil mix and kept moist until they establish.
Regardless of the propagation method, Dubautia coriacea should be kept in a warm, well-lit area and watered regularly. Once the plant has established, it can be transplanted into a larger container or planted in the garden.
Disease Management
Although Dubautia coriacea is generally a healthy plant, it is still susceptible to various types of diseases. Some common diseases that can infect Dubautia coriacea include:
- Leaf spot: Caused by fungal pathogens that usually develop on leaves, leaf spot appears as tiny brown spots that can grow and merge together, causing the leaves to become yellow and fall off prematurely. To prevent leaf spot from infecting the plant, it is best to avoid watering the leaves and remove infected plant parts as soon as possible.
- Root rot: Root rot is caused by waterlogged soil or fungal pathogens. Symptoms of root rot include yellowing leaves, wilting, and stunted growth. To prevent root rot, it is essential to keep the soil well-drained and avoid overwatering the plant.
- Powdery mildew: This is a fungal disease that appears as white powdery patches on the leaves. To manage powdery mildew, it is essential to promote good air circulation around the plant, avoid overcrowding, and remove any infected leaves.
Pest Management
Dubautia coriacea is relatively pest-resistant, but there are still a few pests that can cause damage to the plant, including:
- Spider mites: These pests can cause the leaves to turn yellow and fall off. To manage spider mites, regularly spray the plant with water to reduce their population and keep the leaves clean.
- Aphids: Aphids suck the plant's sap and can cause distortion or stunting of the leaves or stem. To manage aphids, spray the plant with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
- Caterpillars: Caterpillars can chew leaves, and heavy infestations can cause severe damage to the plant. To manage caterpillars, handpick and remove them from the plant, or use an organic pesticide if necessary.
