General Appearance
Gouania Faurieri St. John, also known as ‘akoko in Hawaiian, is a small evergreen shrub that belongs to the Rhamnaceae plant family. This plant species has a usually hairless or slightly hairy stem that is gray-brown in color and can grow up to 1 meter tall. The leaves are dull green, leathery, and oval in shape with a pointed tip and rounded base. It produces small, white, and fragrant flowers that bloom in clusters from spring to summer, producing small, red or purple fruits in the fall.
Origin and Distribution
Gouania Faurieri St. John is native to Hawaii and can be typically found throughout the islands occupying forest floors, cliff sides, and rocky slopes. It is also found in other parts of the world like Fiji, Samoa, and Tahiti. It has adapted to humid and subtropic climates and can grow in soil types that range from dry to moist, with moderate to low fertility. The plant prefers places that have good sunlight, but it can still grow in partial shade.
Common Names and Uses
Gouania Faurieri St. John is commonly known as ‘akoko in Hawaiian. The plant has numerous applications, most notably in traditional medicine. In Hawaii, ‘akoko was used by the native Hawaiians to treat a wide range of medical conditions such as bowel problems, asthma, headaches, and infections. The plant is still widely used in the Pacific Islands and Southeast Asia to treat respiratory diseases and eye inflammations. The plant is also used for its ornamental value – the striking flower clusters of ‘akoko make it a desired addition to gardens and public parks.
In summary, Gouania Faurieri St. John is a small evergreen shrub with dull green, leathery, and oval-shaped leaves with pointed tips and rounded bases that produce small, white, and fragrant flowers that bloom in clusters from the spring to fall, producing small, red or purple fruits. It originated from Hawaii and can be found throughout the island occupying forests floors, cliff sides, and rocky soils. It is used in traditional medicine to treat a wide range of medical conditions such as bowel problems, asthma, headaches, and infections and also for its ornamental value.Growth Conditions of Gouania faurieri St. John
Gouania faurieri St. John, also known as Faurie's Rattail Vine, is a shrub or vine native to the Hawaiian Islands. It is commonly found in mesic and wet forests, along stream banks, and in gulches of elevations ranging from 200 to 1000 m. Understanding the typical growth conditions of G. faurieri is necessary for successful cultivation and conservation efforts.
Light Requirements
G. faurieri is a shade-loving plant and often grows under the canopy of larger trees. It prefers dappled sunlight or partial shade but can also tolerate full sun exposure. In indoor settings, it should be placed near a north or east-facing window where it can receive indirect light.
Temperature Requirements
The ideal temperature range for G. faurieri is between 20-26°C (68-79°F). It cannot withstand freezing temperatures and should be protected from frost. In locations where winter temperatures drop below 10°C (50°F), the plant should be grown indoors or in a greenhouse.
Soil Requirements
G. faurieri prefers well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. It can tolerate a wide range of soil types, including sandy, loamy, and clay soils. The soil pH should be slightly acidic to neutral, with a range of 5.5 to 7.5. Adding compost or aged manure to the soil can improve its fertility and promote healthy growth.
Cultivation Methods
Gouania faurieri St. John is a climbing plant that can grow up to 10 meters tall. It thrives best in a warm and humid climate, with well-draining soil. To start cultivating the plant, a suitable site should be selected, with ample access to sunlight or partial shade.
The soil should be prepared by adding organic matter, such as compost, to improve drainage, fertility, and water retention. The plant can be propagated from seed or stem cuttings, and it's essential to keep the soil moist until the plant is well established.
Watering Needs
Gouania faurieri St. John requires regular irrigation, especially during the warm and dry months. The soil should be kept moist but not waterlogged, as waterlogging can cause root rot and other fungal diseases. The plant's water demands may vary depending on the humidity and rainfall, and the grower should adjust accordingly.
In general, the plant should be watered deeply once or twice a week, rather than frequent shallow watering. It's crucial to water the plant early in the morning or late in the afternoon, as watering during the heat of the day can cause water to evaporate quickly, reducing its effectiveness.
Fertilization
Gouania faurieri St. John requires regular fertilization to support its growth and flowering. A balanced fertilizer, with equal parts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, can be applied every two to three months. Depending on the soil's fertility and the plant's growth rate, the grower may choose to supplement the soil with organic fertilizers like compost or manure.
It's crucial not to over-fertilize the plant, as this can cause excessive vegetative growth and hinder its flowering. Signs of over-fertilization include yellowing leaves, stunted growth, and reduced flowering.
Pruning
Pruning can help shape and train the Gouania faurieri St. John plant, and promote healthy growth and flowering. Pruning should be done during the dormant season, between late fall and early spring, to minimize damage to the plant.
The grower should remove damaged, diseased, or dead parts of the plant, and cut back any excessive growth to maintain the desired size and shape. Regular pruning can also stimulate the production of new shoots and encourage the plant to flower more vigorously.
Propagation of Gouania faurieri St. John
Gouania faurieri St. John, commonly known as Pua Kala or Hawaiian Rattan, is a woody vine endemic to Hawaii that belongs to the family Rhamnaceae. Propagation of Gouania faurieri can be done by the following methods:
Seed Propagation
Propagation through seeds is one of the simplest ways to propagate Gouania faurieri. Collect ripe fruits from the plant when it shows signs of splitting. Clean the fruit pulp and rub the seeds in fine sandpaper. Soak the seeds in water for about 24 hours before sowing. Sow the seeds in well-drained moist soil and maintain moist conditions around the seeds. Germination can be expected within two to four weeks.
Cutting Propagation
Gouania faurieri can be propagated through stem cuttings. Select healthy young stems from the parent plant about eight inches in length and without flowers or buds. Remove all leaves from the cuttings except the topmost two leaves. Dip the cut end in rooting hormone and plant the cutting in a well-drained propagation mix consisting of sand and peat moss. Water and keep the soil moist. Roots are likely to form within two to three weeks.
Air Layering
Air layering is another effective method of propagating Gouania faurieri. Select a healthy and mature branch from the parent plant. Girdle the branch bark where the new roots will emerge, and apply rooting hormone to the wounded area. Wrap the area with moist sphagnum moss and cover it with plastic wrap. Wait for the roots to develop and once established, cut the rooted branch and plant in moist soil.
Propagation of Gouania faurieri can be done through various methods, depending on the available resources and expertise. It is advisable to use healthy parent plants that produce desirable traits. With proper care and management, propagated Gouania faurieri plants can establish well in new environments.
Disease Management
Gouania faurieri St. John is a relatively disease-resistant plant species. However, it can still be affected by certain fungal infections.
Powdery mildew: This fungal disease appears as white or grayish powder on the leaves. It can weaken the plant, reduce growth, and cause premature leaf drop. To manage powdery mildew, remove affected plant parts and apply fungicides that contain trifloxystrobin or myclobutanil.
Leaf spot: Also caused by fungus, leaf spot appears as brown or black spots on the leaves. The disease can cause leaf yellowing, premature leaf drop, and plant death. To manage leaf spot, promptly remove diseased plant parts, avoid overhead watering, and apply fungicides with copper or chlorothalonil.
Pest Management
Gouania faurieri St. John can also be attacked by several insect pests. Some of the common pests are;
Aphids: These small, soft-bodied insects feed on plant sap and cause yellowing and curling of leaves, stunted growth, and reduced fruit yield. To manage aphids, use insecticidal soap or neem oil. Introduce beneficial insect predators such as ladybugs and lacewings to control the population of these insects.
Spider mites: These tiny pests suck the sap out of the plants, causing yellowing leaves, webbing, and stunted growth. To manage spider mites, regularly spray the plants with water to increase humidity. Use miticides that contain etoxazole or abamectin to control spider mite infestation.
Caterpillars: These larvae of moths and butterflies feed on the leaves, causing ragged edges and holes. To manage caterpillars, physically remove them and apply Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) insecticide.
Gouania faurieri St. John is hardy and can tolerate some level of infestation. However, it's always best to address disease and pest issues as early as possible to avoid extensive damage.
