Origin
Dubautia laxa Hook. & Arn. var. pseudoplantaginea Skottsberg also known as Naenae is a species of flowering plant in the sunflower family Asteraceae. It has a unique origin and is found exclusively in Hawaii, specifically on the islands of Kauai and Niihau.
Common Names
Naenae is the common name given to Dubautia laxa Hook. & Arn. var. pseudoplantaginea Skottsberg. It is named after the Naenae neighborhood located in Kauai, Hawaii. The plant is also commonly known as the false plantain.
General Appearance
Dubautia laxa Hook. & Arn. var. pseudoplantaginea Skottsberg is a perennial herbaceous plant with a simple or occasionally branched stem that grows up to 1 meter high. The leaves are alternately arranged, linear to oblong-lanceolate, and measure between 3 and 15 centimeters in length. The plant's flowers are arranged in clusters at the ends of the stem and branches, revealing white ray flowers and yellow disc flowers. Moreover, the fruit is a dry achene, and the plant is capable of producing thousands of seeds.
Uses
Dubautia laxa Hook. & Arn. var. pseudoplantaginea Skottsberg, while not commonly used, is a beneficial plant because it stabilizes soil and prevents soil erosion. In addition, it provides a critical habitat for native birds and insects in Hawaii. Furthermore, Naenae has significant cultural value to the Hawaiian people as it is one of the endemic plant species to the area and has been used in traditional Hawai'ian medicine for various purposes, such as treating headaches, coughs, and fevers.
Light requirements
Dubautia laxa Hook. & Arn. var. pseudoplantaginea Skottsberg prefers full sunlight to partial shade for optimal growth. This plant requires at least six hours of direct sunlight exposure daily.
Temperature requirements
The plant thrives in warm to hot temperatures ranging from 15°C to 30°C (59°F to 86°F). This plant can withstand temperatures in a range between 4°C and 32°C (39°F and 90°F) but prefers warmer conditions.
Soil requirements
Dubautia laxa Hook. & Arn. var. pseudoplantaginea Skottsberg grows well in well-drained, nutrient-rich soils. A soil pH of 4.5 to 7.5 is ideal for this plant. It can also grow in sandy loam soils, but the soil needs to be supplemented with organic matter to retain moisture.
Cultivation of Dubautia Laxa Hook. & Arn. var. Pseudoplantaginea Skottsberg
Dubautia Laxa Hook. & Arn. var. Pseudoplantaginea Skottsberg, commonly known as the Na'ena'e, is a rare plant species belonging to the Asteraceae family. Growing this plant requires specific cultivation techniques, which include the following:
- Soil Requirements: Na'ena'e plant requires acidic soil rich in organic matter. The pH levels of the soil should range between 4.5-6.0.
- Light and Temperature Needs: The plant needs full sunlight exposure to thrive, so it should be placed in a location with full sun exposure. The temperature requirements for growing Na'ena'e range between 50 and 75°F.
- Propagation: Na'ena'e can be propagated vegetatively using stem cuttings or via by seed when available.
Watering Needs
Overwatering can be detrimental to the growth of Na'ena'e plants because they tend to suffer from root rot. It is essential to water the plant sparingly and as per need, to maintain the moisture levels of the soil. The plant requires moist soil that is well-drained and can be kept slightly dry between waterings.
Fertilization
Na'ena'e plant requires regular fertilization to grow healthy and produce more flowers. Fertilizers that are high in nitrogen and phosphorous content are recommended. Slow-release fertilizers that release nutrients gradually are ideal for Na'ena'e plants. Apply the fertilizer every two weeks during the growing season but be cautious not to overdo it.
Pruning
Regular pruning enhances the growth of Na'ena'e plants and keeps them looking neat and healthy. Pinch the tips of the young plants to encourage bushy growth. You can also pinch off the dead flower heads to promote the growth of more flowers. Trimming should be done after the flowering season to encourage the plant to grow thicker foliage, leading to an increase in flower yield the following season.
Propagation Methods for Dubautia laxa Hook. & Arn. var. pseudoplantaginea Skottsberg
Dubautia laxa Hook. & Arn. var. pseudoplantaginea Skottsberg, commonly known as Na‘ena‘e kuahiwi, is a plant species that belongs to the Asteraceae family. This plant species is endemic to Hawaii and is generally found in subalpine shrublands or open boggy areas from 1,300 to 2,600 meters in elevation. Propagation of this species is important for conservation, restoration, and commercial use of the plant.
Propagation by Seeds
The primary method of propagating Dubautia laxa Hook. & Arn. var. pseudoplantaginea Skottsberg is through seeds. The seeds can be collected from mature plants in the wild, but permission from landowners or land managers is often required. Seeds should be collected when they are mature but before they are dispersed by wind, and they should be stored in a cool, dry place until planting. The seeds can be directly sown in the ground or started in pots with well-draining soil.
It is important to note that Dubautia laxa Hook. & Arn. var. pseudoplantaginea Skottsberg has very low seed germination rates. Estimates of germination success range from less than 1% to 25%. Germination rates can be increased using different methods, including smoke treatment, cold stratification, and scarification.
Propagation by Cuttings
Propagation of Dubautia laxa Hook. & Arn. var. pseudoplantaginea Skottsberg by cuttings is possible, but it is not commonly used. Cuttings can be taken from vegetative or flowering branches during the growing season. The cuttings should be taken from healthy, disease-free plants and should be at least 10 cm long. The leaves on the lower half of the cutting should be removed, and the remaining leaves should be cut in half to reduce moisture loss. The cuttings can be placed in a rooting hormone and planted in well-draining soil. Rooting success rates are generally low and may require special treatment, such as applying a mist to increase humidity or treating the cuttings with rooting hormones.
Propagation by Division
Propagation of Dubautia laxa Hook. & Arn. var. pseudoplantaginea Skottsberg by division is also possible, but it is not commonly used. This method involves separating the plant into two or more sections and replanting them. This method should only be used on mature plants that have more than one stem or crown. Care should be taken to ensure that each section has enough roots and foliage to survive.
Overall, propagation of Dubautia laxa Hook. & Arn. var. pseudoplantaginea Skottsberg is challenging, but important for conservation efforts and commercial use of the plant. Seed propagation is the primary method used, but alternative methods such as cuttings and division may be employed in some cases.
Disease Management:
Dubautia laxa Hook. & Arn. var. pseudoplantaginea Skottsberg is susceptible to various diseases, causing damage to the plant. Some of the common diseases that might affect the plant are:
- Fungal diseases: The plant can be affected by fungal diseases like powdery mildew, rust, and leaf spot. Powdery mildew causes white powdery patches on the leaves, rust causes orange or brown spots on the leaves, and leaf spot causes brown or black spots on leaves. To manage these diseases, it is recommended to use fungicides and remove infected plant parts.
- Bacterial diseases: Bacterial diseases like bacterial blight and bacterial spot can also affect the plant. Bacterial blight causes brown or black spots on leaves, and bacterial spot causes small spots on leaves that eventually turn into holes. The best way to manage these diseases is to remove infected plant parts and use bactericides.
- Viral diseases: Viral diseases like mosaic virus and cucumber mosaic virus can also affect the plant. These viruses cause yellowing, stunted growth, and puckering of leaves. Unfortunately, there is no cure for viral diseases, so the best way to manage them is to remove infected plant parts and prevent the spread of the virus by controlling the insect vectors.
Pest Management:
Dubautia laxa Hook. & Arn. var. pseudoplantaginea Skottsberg is also prone to various pests. Some of the common pests that might affect the plant are:
- Aphids: Aphids are tiny insects that can cause extensive damage to the plant by sucking sap. They can be removed by blasting the plant with water or by spraying insecticidal soap on the plant.
- Spider mites: Spider mites are tiny pests that can cause yellowing and necrosis of the leaves. They can be managed by spraying the plant with a miticide.
- Caterpillars: Caterpillars can cause damage to the plant by chewing on leaves. They can be removed by handpicking or by spraying the plant with Bacillus thuringiensis.
- Whiteflies: Whiteflies suck sap from the plant and excrete a sticky substance that attracts mold. They can be managed by spraying the plant with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
- Snails and slugs: Snails and slugs can cause damage to the plant by chewing on leaves. They can be managed by handpicking or by using slug bait.
