Overview
Dubautia lonchophylla (Sherff) Keck is a species of flowering plant belonging to the family Asteraceae. It is native to Hawaii and is commonly known as Sherff's dubautia or lobe-leaf dubautia.
Appearance
D. lonchophylla is a small, bushy shrub that can grow up to 1.5 meters in height. The leaves of this plant are narrow and elongated, measuring up to 15 cm in length. The leaves are lobed, and their edges are often rolled under. The plant produces clusters of yellow flowers, which are about 1 cm across, and bloom during the fall months.
Uses
D. lonchophylla is primarily used as an ornamental plant in gardens, due to its attractive leaves and flowers. Some native Hawaiians also use the plant for medicinal purposes, such as treating stomach ailments and fever. The plant is valued for its ability to tolerate harsh growing conditions and its ability to attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies.
Cultivation
D. lonchophylla can be grown in full sun or partial shade and requires well-draining soil. The plant is drought-tolerant and can survive in a range of soil types. It can be propagated by cuttings or seeds and should be watered regularly during the first few months after planting until it becomes established. The plant does not require a lot of maintenance and can be pruned to shape it and encourage bushier growth.
Conservation
D. lonchophylla is listed as an endangered species in Hawaii, due to habitat loss and the threat of invasive plant species. Efforts are underway to restore the plant's population in the wild and to encourage its cultivation in gardens and nurseries.
Light Requirements
Dubautia lonchophylla requires full sunlight to grow well. These plants don't do well in partial shade or full shade. Therefore, it is recommended to plant them in areas with full sun exposure.
Temperature Requirements
Dubautia lonchophylla is a plant that thrives in moderate temperatures. They can tolerate cooler temperatures but do not do well in extreme heat. The ideal temperature range for this plant is between 60-75°F (15-24°C).
Soil Requirements
This plant prefers well-drained soils that are rich in organic matter. They can grow in a range of soils from nutrient-poor to nutrient-rich, as long as they drain well. Dubautia lonchophylla is native to volcanic soils, and do best when grown in medium to coarse-textured soils with a pH range of 6.5-7.5.
Cultivation Methods
The Dubautia lonchophylla (Sherff) Keck is endemic to Hawaii and thrives well in areas with a subtropical climate. It does well in altitudes of up to 2400 meters above sea level.
For effective cultivation, the plant requires well-draining soil, rich in organic matter such as compost or peat. Dubautia lonchophylla (Sherff) Keck does well in semi-shaded or fully lit areas with temperatures ranging between 10°C to 30°C. The plant propagates through seeds and stem cuttings.
When planting Dubautia lonchophylla (Sherff) Keck, ensure that the soil is moist. Avoid planting during the rainy season, as the waterlogged soil could lead to the rotting of roots. The plant requires adequate space for proper air circulation.
Watering Needs
Dubautia lonchophylla (Sherff) Keck needs to be watered regularly. The plant requires an adequate amount of water to keep the soil moist, but not drenched. Ensure that the soil drains well to prevent waterlogging.
Water the plant twice a week, depending on the climatic conditions. During hot and dry seasons, increase the frequency of watering. In areas with high humidity, reduce the frequency of watering to avoid overwatering.
Fertilization
To maintain the plant's healthy growth, Dubautia lonchophylla (Sherff) Keck requires regular fertilization. Apply a balanced fertilizer every two months during the growing season. The fertilizer should contain nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium.
Avoid over-fertilization, which could lead to the stunted growth of the plant. If the plant exhibits slow growth, reduce the fertilizer's frequency or dilute it by half.
Pruning
Dubautia lonchophylla (Sherff) Keck requires periodic pruning to maintain its shape, prevent the buildup of dead materials, and improve air circulation.
Prune off dead, damaged and diseased leaves or branches. The plant is susceptible to pests and diseases, which could lead to the death of the plant. Regular pruning ensures that such diseases do not spread and maintains the plant's health.
Use sterilized pruning shears to prevent infections from spreading to other parts of the plant. After pruning, dispose of the cuttings appropriately to avoid contaminating the environment.
Propagation of Dubautia lonchophylla (Sherff) Keck
Dubautia lonchophylla (Sherff) Keck can be propagated through both sexual and asexual methods. Here are the two methods:
Sexual propagation
Seeds are the main method of sexual propagation for Dubautia lonchophylla. The seeds are produced in small, dry, 1-3 mm long capsules, which ripen from October to December. To propagate your Dubautia lonchophylla through seeds, follow these steps:
- Collect the capsules when they have turned brown and are dry.
- Extract seeds from the capsules and scatter them in seed trays filled with a well-draining soil mix.
- Ensure to water the trays immediately to saturate the soil.
- Keep the trays moist and within a temperature range of 15-20°C until the seedlings emerge, which can take up to eight weeks.
- Transplant the seedlings to individual pots as soon as they are large enough to handle, and grow under a humid environment to promote better growth.
- Plant in the ground once the seedlings reach a height of 15-20 cm.
Asexual propagation
Asexual propagation often uses cuttings to propagate Dubautia lonchophylla. Follow these steps to propagate your plant through cuttings:
- Choose a healthy, non-flowering stem from the parent plant.
- Cut the stem with a sterilized, sharp knife into 10-15cm length.
- Remove all but the top two to four leaves of the cutting, and slice off any flowers and flower buds.
- Dip the cuttings in rooting hormone powder to hasten root development, then plant in well-draining soil mix.
- Ensure to water the soil immediately after planting and then keep it moist until the cuttings root, which can take about four to six weeks.
- Transplant the cuttings into individual pots as soon as they root, under a humid environment to promote better growth.
- Plant the young plants in the ground once they reach a height of 15-20cm.
With proper care and attention, Dubautia lonchophylla can be propagated from seeds and cuttings with ease.
Disease and Pest Management for Dubautia lonchophylla (Sherff) Keck
Dubautia lonchophylla (Sherff) Keck, also known as Na`ena`e kuahiwi, is a rare and endangered plant species found in Hawaii. It is vulnerable to various diseases and pests that can affect its growth and ultimately lead to plant death. Therefore, it is essential to manage these pests and diseases to ensure the survival of the species.
Common Diseases
Dubautia lonchophylla is susceptible to a variety of fungal diseases, including powdery mildew, rust, and leaf spot. Powdery mildew can be identified by the white, powdery patches that appear on leaves. Rust appears as yellow or orange spots on the underside of leaves, and leaf spot causes brown spots on the leaves.
Pest Management
The plant is also at risk of damage by pests, including caterpillars, mites, and mealybugs. Caterpillars can cause damage by feeding on the leaves, while mites and mealybugs can suck sap from the plant, leading to stunted growth and yellowing leaves.
Disease Management
To manage fungal diseases, it is important to remove any infected plant parts and ensure that the plant is not overcrowded or exposed to excessively high humidity. Applying a fungicide may also help to control the spread of the disease.
Pest Management
To manage pests, it is essential to regularly inspect the plants and remove any pests found. Insecticidal soap or oil can be applied to control mites and mealybugs, while Bacillus thuringiensis can be used to control caterpillars.
It is important to note that the use of chemical pesticides can harm the plant and surrounding environment. Therefore, it is essential to adopt an integrated pest management approach that combines cultural, mechanical, and biological control measures.
By managing diseases and pests and adopting good plant care practices, such as regular watering and fertilizing, Dubautia lonchophylla (Sherff) Keck will thrive and continue to contribute to the ecosystem of Hawaii.
