Dubautia scabra (DC.) Keck ssp. scabra: A Detailed Description
Dubautia scabra (DC.) Keck ssp. scabra, commonly known as akia, is a flowering plant in the Asteraceae family. It is native to Hawaii and can be found on the islands of Oahu, Molokai, Maui, and Hawaii.
General Appearance
The akia plant is a shrub that usually grows up to 3 to 6 feet tall. It has a woody stem and branches, with grayish-brown bark. The leaves of the plant are leathery and roughly textured. They are dark green on top and lighter green underneath, measuring 0.4 to 2 inches long and 0.1 to 0.8 inches wide. The plant produces small, yellow, disk-shaped flowers that bloom from September to December.
Uses
Akia has a variety of uses in traditional Hawaiian culture. The bark of the plant was used to make a yellow dye for kapa cloth, a traditional Hawaiian fabric. The leaves and bark were also used to treat a variety of ailments such as coughs, fevers, and headaches.
Today, akia is primarily used as an ornamental plant in landscaping due to its attractive appearance and ability to grow well in Hawaii's tropical climate. It is a popular plant for hedges, screening, and erosion control due to its dense foliage and root system.
Conservation Status
The akia plant is currently listed as a vulnerable species by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). Habitat loss, invasive species, and climate change are the primary threats to the akia population. It is important to conserve and protect this plant as it plays a critical role in Hawaii's native ecosystem.
Growth Conditions for Dubautia scabra (DC.) Keck ssp. scabra
Dubautia scabra (DC.) Keck ssp. scabra, commonly known as rough-leaved Dubautia, is a Hawaiian flowering plant found on the islands of Kaua'i, O'ahu, and Maui. The following are the typical growth conditions required for its successful growth:
Light
Dubautia scabra (DC.) Keck ssp. scabra requires a high level of light to ensure proper growth and development. The plant thrives in areas with full sunlight exposure, and it is not recommended to grow it in shaded areas. In case of indoor growing, it is important to position the plant close to a window that receives direct sunlight. Too little light will make the plant vulnerable to pests and diseases, while excessive direct light may cause a detrimental effect on its growth.
Temperature
Dubautia scabra (DC.) Keck ssp. scabra is a tropical plant and requires a warm climate to thrive. Optimal temperature ranges for this plant are between 70-80°F (21-27°C). The plant can tolerate temperatures between 50-90°F (10-32°C), but temperatures outside these ranges can cause considerable stress and may affect its growth and ability to bloom.
Soil Requirements
The right soil composition plays a critical role in the thriving of Dubautia scabra (DC.) Keck ssp. scabra. The plant requires well-drained soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH level ranging from 5.5-6.5. The soil should have appropriate levels of organic matter to promote proper growth. The ideal soil for this plant is a well-draining mix of perlite, vermiculite, and peat moss. Additionally, it should be ensured that the plant's water requirements are met, which may vary depending on the plant's size and growth conditions.
Cultivation Methods
Dubautia scabra (DC.) Keck ssp. scabra is native to Hawaii and thrives in a tropical climate. It can be grown in pots or in the ground, and it prefers well-draining soil rich in organic matter. The plant requires full sun or partial shade and can tolerate high temperatures of up to 90°F. It is recommended to grow Dubautia scabra in a greenhouse or indoors with ample light.
Watering Needs
Dubautia scabra (DC.) Keck ssp. scabra prefers evenly moist soil that is not waterlogged. Keep the soil slightly moist, but not too wet, as the plant is susceptible to root rot. Water the plant when the top 1 inch of soil feels dry, and avoid getting water on the leaves, as this can cause fungal diseases. Reduce watering in the winter when the plant is dormant.
Fertilization
Feed Dubautia scabra (DC.) Keck ssp. scabra with a balanced fertilizer every two weeks during the growing season, from spring to fall. Use a fertilizer high in nitrogen to encourage lush foliage and flower production. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for dosage, and avoid overfeeding the plant, as this can cause leaf burn and damage.
Pruning
Dubautia scabra (DC.) Keck ssp. scabra does not require regular pruning but benefits from occasional maintenance. Remove any dead or damaged leaves or stems as soon as possible to prevent the spread of disease. Trim back the plant after flowering to encourage bushier growth and more blooms. Use clean, sharp pruning shears and sterilize them between cuts with rubbing alcohol or a bleach solution to prevent the spread of disease.
Propagation of Dubautia scabra (DC.) Keck ssp. scabra
Dubautia scabra (DC.) Keck ssp. scabra, commonly known as Miyakea or Dubautia, is a subshrub that can be propagated using various methods. The plant is native to Hawaii and belongs to the Asteraceae family. Dubautia scabra (DC.) Keck ssp. scabra has distinctive leaves that are arranged oppositely and have toothed edges. The plant produces flowers that are yellow and orange in color.
Seed Propagation
Dubautia scabra (DC.) Keck ssp. scabra can be propagated from seeds. The seeds should be collected from mature flowers and sown in a well-draining soil mix. The seeds should be sown in a shallow container and covered lightly with soil. The container should be placed in a warm and bright location, where the temperature ranges between 70°F and 80°F. The soil should be kept moist, and the seeds should germinate within two to four weeks.
Cuttings Propagation
Dubautia scabra (DC.) Keck ssp. scabra can also be propagated from cuttings. Softwood cuttings should be taken from the plant during the summer months. The cuttings should be about four inches long and should be taken from the tips of the plant. The bottom of the cutting should be treated with rooting hormone, and the cutting should be placed in a well-draining soil mix. The cutting should be covered with plastic and placed in a warm and bright location. The plastic covering should be removed once the cutting has rooted, which should take about four to six weeks.
Division Propagation
Dubautia scabra (DC.) Keck ssp. scabra can also be propagated by division. The plant should be dug up and divided into smaller sections. Each section should have roots and shoots. The divided sections should be replanted immediately in a well-draining soil mix. The newly planted sections should be watered thoroughly and kept in a shaded location until they become established.
Disease Management
Dubautia scabra (DC.) Keck ssp. scabra is susceptible to a few diseases that can impact its growth and overall health. Some common diseases that affect this plant are:
- Phytophthora root rot: This disease can affect the plant if it is growing in soil that is too moist. The symptoms include wilting leaves and roots that are brown or black. To manage this disease, it is important to ensure that the soil in which the plant is growing is well-draining and not too wet.
- Leaf spot: Leaf spot can occur in plants that are grown in humid conditions. The symptoms include small, dark spots on the leaves of the plant. To manage this disease, it is important to remove any infected leaves and ensure that the plant is grown in a well-ventilated area.
Pest Management
Dubautia scabra (DC.) Keck ssp. scabra is also vulnerable to a few pests that can cause problems for gardeners. Some common pests that affect this plant are:
- Aphids: These tiny insects suck the sap from the leaves, causing the plant to become weak and stunted. To manage aphids, it is important to spray the plant with a insecticidal soap solution.
- Spider mites: Spider mites are tiny pests that can be difficult to detect. They suck the juices from the leaves of plants, causing them to appear stippled or discolored. To manage spider mites, it is important to remove any affected leaves and spray the plant with a miticide.
- Caterpillars: Caterpillars are the larvae of butterflies and moths and can cause significant damage to the leaves of the plant. To manage caterpillars, it is important to handpick them off the plant or spray the plant with a biological insecticide.
Regular inspection of the plant can help catch any of these issues early, making it much easier to manage them and protect the overall health of the plant.
