Origin
Dubautia menziesii (Gray) Keck var. angustifolia (Sherff) Keck, also known as Na'ena'e in Hawaiian, is a species of flowering plant in the family Asteraceae. It is endemic to the Hawaiian Islands and can be found on the islands of Hawaii, Maui, Molokai, and Oahu.
Common Names
Aside from Na'ena'e, Dubautia menziesii var. angustifolia is also commonly known as the Narrow-leaved Dubautia or the Awiwi in Hawaiian.
Uses
The plant is known in Hawaiian culture for its healing properties. Its leaves are used to make a tea that is believed to aid in digestion and reduce inflammation. The tea is also used to treat various ailments such as coughs, colds, and sore throats.
The plant is also used in traditional Hawaiian lei-making. Its narrow leaves make it a popular choice for creating intricate and delicate flower garlands.
General Appearance
Dubautia menziesii var. angustifolia is a perennial shrub that can grow up to 6 feet tall. Its narrow leaves are 2-4 inches long and are dark green on top and light green on the bottom. The plant produces clusters of small, yellow flowers that have a sweet, honey-like scent. Its bark is reddish-brown and has a flaky texture.
The plant is commonly found in dry to moist forests, grasslands, and rocky areas at elevations ranging from 1,600 to 8,800 feet.
Light Requirements
Dubautia menziesii var. angustifolia prefers full sun but can also tolerate some shade. It can be found growing in areas with varying levels of light, from open sunny slopes to partially shaded areas beneath trees or shrubs.
Temperature Requirements
This plant is native to Hawaii and thus prefers warmer temperatures between 60°F to 80°F (15.5°C to 26.7°C). It can tolerate occasional temperature drops, but prolonged exposure to cold temperatures can lead to damage or death. Frost is a particular challenge for this plant and is not recommended for areas with such weather conditions.
Soil Requirements
Dubautia menziesii var. angustifolia prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. It thrives in nutrient-poor volcanic soils but does not tolerate standing water or heavy soils with poor drainage. An ideal soil pH for this plant is between 4.5 to 7, and it requires occasional fertilization to support healthy growth.
Cultivation of Dubautia menziesii (Gray) Keck var. angustifolia (Sherff) Keck
Dubautia menziesii (Gray) Keck var. angustifolia (Sherff) Keck is a plant that is endemic to the Hawaiian Islands. It thrives in conditions that are typical of its native environment, but it requires proper care and attention to grow well outside of the Hawaiian Islands.
The plant can be grown in a garden or container. If you decide to grow it in a garden, make sure that the soil is well-draining and that it receives sufficient sunlight. Dubautia menziesii (Gray) Keck var. angustifolia (Sherff) Keck is a relatively low-maintenance plant, so it does not require any special attention.
Watering Needs of Dubautia menziesii (Gray) Keck var. angustifolia (Sherff) Keck
Dubautia menziesii (Gray) Keck var. angustifolia (Sherff) Keck prefers moist soil, but it does not like to be over-watered. The plant should be watered deeply once a week, or more frequently if the soil dries out quickly. To avoid over-watering, check the soil moisture level before watering the plant. If the soil is moist, wait a few days before watering the plant again.
Fertilization of Dubautia menziesii (Gray) Keck var. angustifolia (Sherff) Keck
Dubautia menziesii (Gray) Keck var. angustifolia (Sherff) Keck does not require regular fertilization. However, if you want to promote healthy growth, you can fertilize the plant once every three months using a slow-release fertilizer. Be careful not to over-fertilize, as this can cause damage to the plant.
Pruning Dubautia menziesii (Gray) Keck var. angustifolia (Sherff) Keck
Dubautia menziesii (Gray) Keck var. angustifolia (Sherff) Keck does not require regular pruning. However, if you want to remove any dead or damaged branches, you can prune the plant in late winter or early spring. To avoid damaging the plant, use clean, sharp pruning shears, and prune only the affected branches.
Propagation of Dubautia menziesii (Gray) Keck var. angustifolia (Sherff) Keck
Dubautia menziesii (Gray) Keck var. angustifolia (Sherff) Keck, also known as Mauna Kea silversword, is a rare plant species found only on the slopes of Mauna Kea in Hawaii. Propagation is an important method to conserve and increase the population of this endangered plant.
Seed Propagation
One of the propagation methods for Dubautia menziesii var. angustifolia is through seed propagation. Collect fresh seeds from the plant and sow them in light, sandy soil. Keep the soil moist and provide light shade to promote germination. When the seedlings are large enough to handle, transplant them into individual containers or a well-draining bed.
Vegatative Propagation
Vegatative propagation is another method to propagate Dubautia menziesii var. angustifolia. This method involves taking cuttings or divisions of the plant and growing them into new individuals. Select a healthy and mature plant to take cuttings from. Take a cutting with a sharp, sterilized tool and dip it in rooting hormone. Plant the cutting in a well-draining soil mix and keep the soil moist and in a bright, warm location. Alternatively, divide the plant during the dormant season and plant the divisions in fresh soil.
Culture Propagation
Dubautia menziesii var. angustifolia can also be propagated through culture methods such as tissue culture. This is a complex method that involves taking small tissue samples from the plant and growing them in a sterile laboratory setting. Tissue culture can produce a large number of identical plants in a short amount of time, making it an important method for conservation efforts.
Disease Management
Dubautia menziesii var. angustifolia is a relatively disease-resistant plant, but it can still fall prey to a few pathogens. The most common disease that affects this plant is fungal leaf spot. This disease is characterized by circular, brown or black spots on the leaves of the plant. It can be caused by a variety of different fungal pathogens, but the symptoms are generally the same. To manage fungal leaf spot, remove any infected leaves and dispose of them in the trash. Avoid overhead watering as it can help to spread the disease. In severe cases, fungicides can be used as a management tool.
Another disease that can affect Dubautia menziesii var. angustifolia is powdery mildew. Powdery mildew is a fungal disease that causes a white, powdery coating on the leaves of plants. It can stunt growth, decrease yield, and lead to death in severe cases. To manage powdery mildew, remove the infected plant parts and spray the plant with a fungicide that is labeled for powdery mildew.
Pest Management
While Dubautia menziesii var. angustifolia is relatively pest-resistant, it can be affected by a few pests. The most common pest that affects this plant is the spider mite. Spider mites are small spider-like creatures that suck the sap from plants, leaving a stippled appearance on the leaves. To manage spider mites, use an insecticidal soap or oil. You can also use predatory insects such as ladybugs to control the spider mite population.
Another pest that can affect Dubautia menziesii var. angustifolia is the thrips. Thrips are tiny insects that feed on the leaves and flowers of plants. They can cause deformities in the plant and can also transmit viruses. To manage thrips, use sticky traps to capture and kill them. You can also use insecticidal soaps or oils to control the population of thrips.
Finally, aphids can also affect Dubautia menziesii var. angustifolia. Aphids are small insects that can suck the sap from plants, causing them to wilt and become stunted. To manage aphids, use insecticidal soaps or oils. You can also introduce beneficial insects such as ladybugs or lacewings to control the aphid population.
