Origin
Gunnera mauiensis (Krajina) St. John, commonly known as Maui giant butterbur, is a rare and endemic plant species found only in the Hawaiian Islands. It is native to the island of Maui, specifically in the wet and shaded regions of Haleakal? National Park. This plant belongs to the family Gunneraceae, which has only around 40 species in the world, and is closely related to the more widespread Gunnera tinctoria from South America.
Common Names
Maui giant butterbur is its most common name, but this plant is also known as Hawaii giant gunnera, Maui gunnera, and olona. The name butterbur is due to its leaves being used as a substitute for butter in the past, while gunnera refers to the plant's genus name.
Uses
In the Hawaiian language, Maui giant butterbur is known as olona, which has a long history of traditional use by native Hawaiians. Olona fiber, obtained from the plant's stem bark, was used for making nets, fishing lines, and ropes. It was also used for weaving mats, baskets, and sandals. The leaves were sometimes used to wrap food, and the plants themselves were used for medicinal purposes. Additionally, Maui giant butterbur is now grown as an ornamental plant in some public gardens.
General Appearance
Maui giant butterbur is a huge herbaceous perennial plant that can grow up to 2 meters (6 feet) tall and 3 meters (10 feet) wide. The stems are stout and fleshy, with large leaves that can reach up to 1.5 meters (5 feet) across. The leaves are round to heart-shaped, with deeply lobed margins that are slightly toothed and hairy underneath. The flowers are small and inconspicuous, arranged in spikes that rise above the foliage in the late summer to early fall. The fruit is a small, dry, and papery capsule containing numerous seeds.
Growth Conditions for Gunnera mauiensis
Gunnera mauiensis is a tropical perennial plant native to Hawaii, which typically grows in wet, marshy locations. It can grow up to 3 meters high and almost that wide, making it a large statement plant.
Light Requirements
Gunnera mauiensis prefer areas with shade, especially during the hottest part of the day. They thrive in partial to full shade, and direct sunlight can scorch their large leaves. The plant can grow in direct sunlight, but it requires an abundant amount of water.
Temperature Requirements
The plant grows best under consistently warm temperatures ranging from 20°C to 25°C. It can adapt to different temperatures, but it prefers a humid environment of at least 50% humidity level.
Soil Requirements
Gunnera mauiensis grows well in nutrient-rich, and moisture-retaining soil with a pH level ranging from 4.5 to 6.0. The soil should also be spongy and have the ability to hold water without becoming waterlogged. The plant needs a rich soil that allows it to absorb enough nutrients that encourage growth, so it requires regular fertilization to replenish nutrients.
Watering Requirements
Gunnera mauiensis requires moist soil always. While the plant tolerates some dryness, it is best grown in soil that is always damp, so it is essential not to let it dry out completely. The plant also requires watering at the roots, which means frequent, deep watering, but should not be waterlogged or have standing water.
Propagation
Gunnera mauiensis is propagated by division or by seed. It is a robust plant that can be propagated by dividing the mature plant's rhizomes in the early spring. The plant is also propagated by seed sown in early spring indoors, allowing about three months before planting in the garden.
Cultivation of Gunnera mauiensis
Gunnera mauiensis is a perennial herbaceous plant that grows in moist habitats and often thrives in boggy areas and around water bodies. To cultivate Gunnera mauiensis successfully, you need to consider the following factors.
- Soil: Gunnera mauiensis thrives in the fertile, well-draining, and acidic soil that is high in organic matter and nutrients.
- Exposure: The plant requires full to partial shade, and it's best to shelter it from direct sunlight during the hottest months of the year.
- Temperature and Humidity: Gunnera mauiensis prefers high humidity and moderate temperatures, with an average range of 12 to 20°C, making it an ideal plant for temperate climates with high rainfall.
Watering Needs of Gunnera mauiensis
Gunnera mauiensis is a water-loving plant that thrives in moist soils and boggy areas. It requires consistent moisture levels, and the soil around the plant should always be wet but not waterlogged. You need to provide regular watering, especially during the hot periods, to keep the soil moist and prevent wilting.
To keep the soil consistently moist, you can install a drip irrigation system or manually water the plant. However, you need to ensure that the plant's roots do not sit in water, as this can lead to root rot and eventual death.
Fertilization of Gunnera mauiensis
Gunnera mauiensis is a heavy feeder and requires regular applications of fertilizer throughout the growing season. You can apply a slow-release fertilizer once every six months or use a liquid fertilizer every two weeks.
Choose a fertilizer that's high in nitrogen and potassium for optimal growth and flowering. Additionally, you can add a layer of organic compost around the plant to improve the soil's water-holding capacity and provide necessary nutrients.
Pruning of Gunnera mauiensis
Gunnera mauiensis does not require much pruning, but you can cut off old or damaged leaves to keep the plant looking neat and healthy. Additionally, you can prune the plant in the fall after it has finished flowering to control its size and shape.
If the plant starts spreading outside its designated area, you can dig up the runners and replant them elsewhere or give them away to others who need them.
Propagation of Gunnera mauiensis (Krajina) St. John
Gunnera mauiensis (Krajina) St. John is a unique plant species that belongs to the Gunneraceae family. It is commonly referred to as Hawaiian giant rhubarb due to its large leaves and stems. If you wish to propagate this plant, you can try the following methods:
Seed propagation
Gunnera mauiensis (Krajina) St. John produces small seeds that can be collected and planted to grow new plants. However, seed propagation is often unpredictable and challenging, as the plants will not always grow true to their parent plant.
Division
The most effective way to propagate Gunnera mauiensis (Krajina) St. John is by division. The rhizomes of the plant can be divided into smaller sections, each with at least one bud. The divided sections can then be planted in separate pots or directly in the ground. Division is best done in early spring when the growth starts to appear.
Cuttings
Gunnera mauiensis (Krajina) St. John can also be propagated by cuttings. Take a stem cutting that has several leaves and dip the cut end in rooting hormone. Then, plant it in a pot filled with well-draining soil and keep it in a warm and humid environment until roots start to grow. This process can take several weeks, and the success rate of cutting propagation is relatively low.
Overall, propagating Gunnera mauiensis (Krajina) St. John is not an easy task, but with the right techniques and care, you can successfully grow new plants.
Disease and Pest Management for Gunnera mauiensis (Krajina) St. John
Gunnera mauiensis (Krajina) St. John, commonly known as Maui Giant Gunnera, is a plant that belongs to the Gunneraceae family. It is a large perennial herbaceous plant that can grow up to 2 meters in height. While this plant is attractive and can add a tropical touch to gardens and landscapes, it is not immune to pests and diseases. Here are some common diseases and pests that can affect Gunnera mauiensis, and how to manage them.
Diseases
Anthracnose: This disease can cause brown or black spots, distorted leaves, and stem cankers. It is caused by a fungal pathogen that thrives in humid conditions. To manage anthracnose, make sure the plant gets good air circulation and avoid getting the leaves wet when watering. Removing infected leaves and plant debris can also help reduce the spread of the disease. Fungicides can also be used to control anthracnose.
Crown rot: This disease can cause the plant to wilt and die. It is caused by a fungal pathogen that thrives in poorly draining soil and humid conditions. To manage crown rot, ensure that the plant is planted in well-draining soil and avoid watering too much. If the plant is already infected, remove it and dispose of it to avoid spreading the disease.
Pests
Slugs and snails: These pests can cause damage to the leaves of Gunnera mauiensis. They are more active at night and thrive in moist conditions. To manage slugs and snails, create a barrier around the plant using copper tape or diatomaceous earth. You can also handpick them and dispose of them. Slug and snail baits can also be used to control their population.
Red spider mites: These pests can cause the leaves to turn yellow and have a stippled appearance. They thrive in hot and dry conditions. To manage red spider mites, make sure the plant is well-watered and spray the leaves with water to increase humidity. You can also introduce predatory mites that feed on red spider mites. Insecticides can also be used to control their population.
Gunnera mauiensis is a beautiful and unique plant that requires proper care and attention to prevent diseases and pest infestations. By following the tips outlined above, you can enjoy this plant in your garden without worrying about these issues.
