Overview
Dubautia laxa Hook. & Arn. ssp. hirsuta (Hbd.) G.D. Carr, commonly known as hairy dubautia or hairy flowered dubautia, is a species of flowering plant in the sunflower family, Asteraceae. This plant is endemic to Hawaii and is found on the islands of Kauai, Oahu, Molokai, Maui, and Hawaii (the Big Island).
Description
The plant grows up to 2 meters tall and has a woody stem that is covered in fine hairs. The leaves of the plant are long, narrow and also covered in fine hairs. The flowers are small, yellowish in color and are arranged in clusters at the tip of the stems. Each flower has a hairy calyx and a tubular corolla that is about 1 cm in length.
Uses
The hairy dubautia is an important component of the native Hawaiian flora. It serves as a source of food for several insects and birds. Moreover, the plant is used in traditional Hawaiian medicine to treat various ailments such as cough, asthma, and diarrhea. In addition, the plant has shown potential use in the production of biofuels due to its high oil content.
Conservation
The hairy dubautia is considered a threatened species due to habitat loss, invasive species, and human activities. The plant is protected by the state and federal laws, and its conservation efforts, such as habitat restoration and invasive species control, are ongoing.
Light Requirements
Dubautia laxa Hook. & Arn. ssp. hirsuta requires full sun exposure for optimal growth. It has adapted to grow in direct sunlight and relies on it for photosynthesis, which is crucial for its survival.
Temperature Requirements
This plant is native to high altitudes and cool environments. Therefore, it prefers colder temperatures but can survive in a wide range of temperatures. The temperature range for its optimal growth is between 50 to 70 °F (10 to 21 °C) during the day and between 32 to 50 °F (0 to 10 °C) at night. Extreme heat can cause the plant to wilt, and frost can damage its leaves.
Soil Requirements
Dubautia laxa Hook. & Arn. ssp. hirsuta thrives in well-draining and nutrient-rich soils. It prefers mineral-rich, volcanic soils that are acidic but can tolerate slightly alkaline soils. The pH level of the soil should be between 5.0 to 6.5 for optimal growth. Additionally, the soil should be moist but not waterlogged as this can cause root rot.
Cultivation Methods
Dubautia laxa Hook. & Arn. ssp. hirsuta (Hbd.) G.D. Carr is a native plant of Hawaii that typically grows in altitudes of 4000 to 7000 feet. It prefers well-drained soil, rich in organic matter. The plant needs bright sunlight for at least six hours a day. It is highly adaptable and tolerant to many growing conditions.
Watering Needs
Watering is an essential aspect of growing Dubautia laxa Hook. & Arn. ssp. hirsuta (Hbd.) G.D. Carr. It requires regular watering to keep the soil moist. The frequency of watering depends on the weather and soil conditions. During the rainy season, the plant requires less watering. However, in dry seasons, the plant needs extra care and frequent watering. Ensure that excess water drains to avoid waterlogging and root rot.
Fertilization
Fertilization is not a compulsory requirement for growing Dubautia laxa Hook. & Arn. ssp. hirsuta (Hbd.) G.D. Carr. However, to boost growth and health, it is recommended to fertilize the plant using balanced fertilizers. Nitrogen-rich fertilizers are suitable for this plant. The fertilization frequency depends on the soil's nutrients.
Pruning
Pruning Dubautia laxa Hook. & Arn. ssp. hirsuta (Hbd.) G.D. Carr is best done in the early spring season when the plant is dormant. Pruning the plant will promote bushy growth and keep the plant healthy. Cut off any dead or diseased branches or stems. Trim the top of the plant if it starts to get too tall.
Propagation of Dubautia laxa Hook. & Arn. ssp. hirsuta (Hbd.) G.D. Carr
Dubautia laxa Hook. & Arn. ssp. hirsuta (Hbd.) G.D. Carr, commonly known as na'ena'e, is a flowering plant endemic to Hawaii. The plant can be propagated through various methods, as described below:
Seed Propagation
Seeds of Dubautia laxa can be collected from the mature flowers in the summer and fall seasons. The collected seeds can be stored in a cool and dry place. Before planting, the seeds can be soaked in water or treated with a seed primer for better germination. The seeds can be sown in pots or directly in the ground. The soil should be well-drained and kept moist. The seedlings can be transplanted to their permanent location after they have grown strong enough.
Cuttings Propagation
Dubautia laxa can be propagated through stem cuttings. Cuttings should be taken from the mature stem tips in the spring and summer seasons. The cuttings should be about 6 inches long and must contain at least one node. Remove the lower leaves and plant the cuttings in well-drained soil. The soil should be kept moist and covered with a plastic sheet to maintain humidity. The cuttings can be transplanted to their permanent location after they have developed roots.
Division Propagation
Dubautia laxa can also be propagated through division. The plant should be dug up from the ground and carefully divided into smaller clumps. Each clump should contain a healthy root system and some shoots. The divided clumps can be replanted in pots or directly in the ground. The soil should be kept moist until the plants are established.
In conclusion, Dubautia laxa can be propagated through seeds, cuttings, and division. Each method has its own benefits and drawbacks, and the choice of propagation method depends on the resources and availability of the plant material.
Disease and Pest Management for Dubautia Laxa Hook. & Arn. ssp. Hirsuta (Hbd.) G.D. Carr
Dubautia Laxa Hook. & Arn. ssp. Hirsuta (Hbd.) G.D. Carr is a type of Hawaiian plant that is native to the volcanic slopes of the Big Island. It is a member of the Asteraceae family and is commonly known as the "Mauna Loa Dubautia". The plant is threatened due to habitat loss, invasive species, climate change, and disease. Disease and pest management practices are necessary to preserve this species. Here are some common diseases and pests affecting the plant with ways to manage them:
Common Diseases
Dubautia Laxa Hook. & Arn. ssp. Hirsuta (Hbd.) G.D. Carr is prone to various fungal infections. The most common ones include:
- Leaf Spot Disease: This disease infects the foliage, causing yellowish or brown spots with purple margins. To manage this disease, remove and destroy infected leaves, avoid overhead watering, and apply a copper-based fungicide.
- Powdery Mildew: This fungal disease causes a white to gray powdery substance on the leaves, stems, and flowers. To manage this disease, improve air circulation around the plant, avoid overhead watering, and apply a sulfur or potassium bicarbonate-based fungicide.
- Rust Disease: This fungal disease causes orange to reddish-brown spots on the undersides of the leaves. To manage this disease, remove and destroy infected leaves, avoid overhead watering, and apply a copper-based fungicide.
Common Pests
Dubautia Laxa Hook. & Arn. ssp. Hirsuta (Hbd.) G.D. Carr can be susceptible to various pests. The most common ones include:
- Aphids: These tiny insects suck the sap of the plant, causing curling of leaves and stunted growth. To manage this pest, prune off severely infested plant parts, spray with water or use insecticidal soap.
- Root Knot Nematodes: These microscopic worm-like pests feed on the roots, causing wilting, stunted growth, and yellowing of leaves. To manage this pest, remove and destroy infested plants, use nematode-resistant cultivars, and rotate crops.
- Mealybugs: These insects produce white, cottony masses on the leaves, stems, and flowers, sucking the sap of the plant. To manage this pest, remove and destroy heavily infested plant parts, use insecticidal soap or horticultural oil.
By implementing proper disease and pest management practices, you can protect the Dubautia Laxa Hook. & Arn. ssp. Hirsuta (Hbd.) G.D. Carr and promote its survival.
