Origin and Common Names
Euphorbia celastroides Boiss. var. kaenana Sherff, also known as Kaena Point spurge, is a rare and endangered species of flowering plant endemic to Hawaii. It is found only in the Kaena Point Natural Area Reserve on the northwestern coast of Oahu.
The plant's scientific name Euphorbia celastroides is derived from the Greek word "euphorbos," which means "well-fed" or "healthy," and "celastro" for its resemblance to the related plant genus Celastrus.
Appearance
Euphorbia celastroides Boiss. var. kaenana Sherff has a small shrub-like growth form which can reach up to 1-meter height. The stems are slender, round and hairless, with thin triangular leaves that grow in clusters around the plant.
One of the defining features of this plant is its unique flowers which are green-yellow, peapod-shaped and grow in groups of three at the end of stems.
Uses
Although there is little known or recorded use of this plant in traditional Hawaiian medicine, Euphorbia celastroides is used in modern horticulture as an ornamental plant because of its striking appearance.
Due to its rarity and endangered status, the Kaena Point spurge is protected by state laws and is not permitted for commercial collection or trade.
Overall, Euphorbia celastroides Boiss. var. kaenana Sherff is a unique and ecologically important plant species found only in the Kaena Point Natural Area Reserve on the island of Oahu.hereLight Requirements
Euphorbia celastroides var. kaenana requires full sun exposure for optimal growth. It can tolerate partial shade, but its growth will be impacted. Therefore, it is ideal to plant it in a location that receives full sun exposure throughout the day.
Temperature Requirements
This plant prefers warm and hot temperatures between 60°F to 80°F. It is not frost tolerant and cannot survive in cold temperatures below 50°F. During the winter, it is essential to keep the plant indoors or cover it with frost cloth to protect it from freezing temperatures.
Soil Requirements
Euphorbia celastroides var. kaenana thrives in well-drained and moist soil. It prefers sandy and loamy soil types that are slightly acidic or neutral. The plant cannot tolerate heavy clay soil as it can lead to waterlogging and root rot. Therefore, it is essential to ensure that the soil is well-drained to prevent waterlogging and root rot issues.
Cultivation methods for Euphorbia celastroides Boiss. var. kaenana Sherff
Euphorbia celastroides Boiss. var. kaenana Sherff is a resilient plant that thrives in arid and semi-arid environments. The undemanding nature of this plant makes it an ideal choice for gardeners looking to enhance the beauty of their landscape with little effort. Cultivating this plant is easy and requires minimal input.
Start by selecting a suitable planting location with well-drained soil and sufficient sunlight exposure. Prepare the planting area by removing any weeds or debris and loosen the soil to improve drainage.
Plant the Euphorbia celastroides Boiss. var. kaenana Sherff seeds in well-drained soil at least 1 inch deep and keep the soil moist until germination.
Watering needs for Euphorbia celastroides Boiss. var. kaenana Sherff
Euphorbia celastroides Boiss. var. kaenana Sherff is drought-tolerant and requires little water to thrive. Water the plant twice a month during the growing season if rainfall is insufficient. Reduce watering during winter when the plant goes dormant. Avoid overwatering, as this can cause root rot and kill the plant.
Fertilization of Euphorbia celastroides Boiss. var. kaenana Sherff
Euphorbia celastroides Boiss. var. kaenana Sherff does not require regular fertilization. If necessary, feed the plant with a slow-release, low-nitrogen fertilizer, once a month during the growing season. Avoid fertilizing during winter when the plant is dormant to prevent root burn.
Pruning Euphorbia celastroides Boiss. var. kaenana Sherff
Euphorbia celastroides Boiss. var. kaenana Sherff does not require extensive pruning, but a small amount of pruning can help keep the plant looking tidy. Prune damaged or dead stems as soon as possible as this can prevent further damage to the plant. Wear gloves and protective clothing when handling the plant, as its sap can cause skin irritation.
Propagation of Euphorbia celastroides Boiss. var. kaenana Sherff
Euphorbia celastroides Boiss. var. kaenana Sherff can be propagated through both vegetative and sexual means. The following are some of the most common propagation methods:
Propagation by Stem Cuttings
One of the easiest ways to propagate Euphorbia celastroides Boiss. var. kaenana Sherff is through stem cuttings. Take a stem cutting about 4 to 6 inches long during the growing season. Remove the leaves from the bottom half of the cutting and dip the cut end in rooting hormone.
Plant the cutting in a well-draining potting mix and keep it in a bright area with indirect sunlight. Keep the soil moist but not wet until the cutting roots and starts putting out new growth, which usually takes about 2 to 3 weeks.
Propagation by Division
Euphorbia celastroides Boiss. var. kaenana Sherff can also be propagated through division. This method involves separating the plant into two or more sections, each with its own roots and stem.
To divide the plant, gently remove it from its pot and carefully separate the roots and stems. Each section should have at least one healthy stem and a good root system. Plant each section in its pot with fresh potting mix and water it well.
Propagation by Seeds
Propagation by seeds is also possible for Euphorbia celastroides Boiss. var. kaenana Sherff. Collect the seeds during the growing season when the seed pods have dried out and turned brown.
Before planting the seeds, soak them in warm water for a few hours to help speed up germination. Plant the seeds in a well-draining potting mix and keep them moist until they germinate, which can take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks.
Disease and Pest Management for Euphorbia celastroides Boiss. var. kaenana Sherff
Euphorbia celastroides Boiss. var. kaenana Sherff, commonly known as Kaena Point euphorbia, is a succulent shrub native to Hawaii. Like any other plant, it is susceptible to diseases and pests that can affect its growth and yield. Here are some of the common diseases and pests that might affect Kaena Point euphorbia and ways to manage them.
Diseases
Black Spot: Black spot is a fungal disease that affects the leaves of Kaena Point euphorbia, causing black spots to appear on the leaves. To manage this disease, remove the infected leaves and dispose of them properly. Use fungicides to prevent the disease from spreading to other parts of the plant.
Powdery Mildew: Powdery mildew is a common fungal disease that affects many plant species, including Kaena Point euphorbia. It appears as a white powdery substance on the leaves and stems of the plant. To manage this disease, remove the infected parts of the plant and spray with fungicide. Keep the plant well-ventilated to prevent the disease from recurring.
Pests
Mealybugs: Mealybugs are common pests that affect Kaena Point euphorbia. They are small white insects that suck the sap from the leaves and stems of the plant. To manage mealybugs, remove the infected parts of the plant and spray with insecticidal soap. You can also introduce natural predators like ladybugs to control the population of mealybugs.
Spider Mites: Spider mites are tiny insects that feed on the sap of Kaena Point euphorbia. They are common in dry conditions and can cause significant damage to the plant. To manage spider mites, spray the plant with water to remove them. You can also use an insecticidal soap or neem oil to control the population of spider mites.
By following these disease and pest management practices, you can ensure that your Kaena Point euphorbia remains healthy and productive.
