Origin and Common Names
Hibiscus furcatus Willd. var. microcarpus Mattei, commonly known as "Ilima" or "Ilima-K?-Kahakai," originates from the Hawaiian Islands. It can be found growing naturally on the coasts of Kauai, Oahu, Molokai, Lanai, Maui, and Hawaii Island.
Appearance
Hibiscus furcatus Willd. var. microcarpus Mattei is a small shrub or low-growing perennial plant that can reach up to 3 feet in height and spread over 6 feet. It has small, downy, light green leaves and produces small, yellow flowers, which turn to shades of red or orange as they age. The flowers have five petals and a deep red spot at the base of each. The plant blooms continuously throughout the year and is known for its pleasant fragrance.
Uses
The Ilima plant has been used for various purposes by the indigenous people of Hawaii. Its flowers and leaves were traditionally used in lei-making and worn to celebrate special occasions, such as weddings and graduations. The plant's bark and roots have been utilized for medicinal purposes, including the treatment of coughs, colds, and infections. The leaves were also used to make a yellow dye for clothing. Today, Hibiscus furcatus Willd. var. microcarpus Mattei is still used in traditional practices and is also grown as an ornamental plant in gardens and landscapes due to its attractive appearance and pleasant fragrance.
Light Requirements
The Hibiscus furcatus Willd. var. microcarpus Mattei requires direct sunlight for at least 6 hours a day. It is best to place the plant in an area where it will receive morning sun and partial shade in the afternoon.
Temperature Requirements
The optimal temperature for the Hibiscus furcatus Willd. var. microcarpus Mattei to grow is between 60°F to 80°F (15.6°C to 26.7°C). The plant can tolerate temperature fluctuations but prefers to be away from cold drafts and extreme heat.
Soil Requirements
The soil for Hibiscus furcatus Willd. var. microcarpus Mattei should be well-draining, moist, and rich in organic matter. The plant prefers slightly acidic soil with a pH level of 6 to 6.8. Use a mixture of peat moss, sand, and vermiculite with a 2:1:1 ratio to provide the best growth conditions.
Cultivation Methods
When cultivating Hibiscus furcatus Willd. var. microcarpus Mattei, it's best to start by selecting a well-draining potting mix. These plants are native to rocky terrain, so they need soil that won't retain too much water. Use a combination of sand, perlite, and peat moss for the potting mix.
The plant needs bright, direct sunlight, so select a spot that receives at least six hours of sun every day. Ensure that the temperature is between 60°F and 80°F.
When propagating Hibiscus furcatus Willd. var. microcarpus Mattei, use stem cuttings taken from the parent plant. Cuttings should be at least three inches long and contain at least two leaves. Dip the cuttings in rooting hormone and plant them in the prepared potting mix.
Watering Needs
Water your Hibiscus furcatus Willd. var. microcarpus Mattei whenever the soil feels dry. The plant needs regular watering during the growing season, especially if it's container-grown, which makes the soil dry out faster.
Ensure that the soil is completely soaked during watering, allowing the excess water to drain away. Avoid overwatering because the plant is susceptible to root rot. Reduce watering during winter when the plant goes dormant, but don't allow the soil to dry out completely.
Fertilization
Feed your Hibiscus furcatus Willd. var. microcarpus Mattei with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer during the growing season. Give it every two to three months, following the instructions on the fertilizer package.
Use a balanced liquid fertilizer about every week or every other week, following the package directions with container-grown plants. Ideally, use a fertilizer formula that contains sufficient amounts of potassium, phosphorus, and nitrogen.
Pruning
Prune Hibiscus furcatus Willd. var. microcarpus Mattei annually in spring to promote bushier growth and remove any dead or damaged branches. Prune the plant by selectively cutting back the stems using a pair of sharp shears.
Focus on shaping the plant into a desirable form and removing any branches that may be preventing proper air circulation. Don't hesitate to remove any spent flowers to promote additional blooming. Disinfect the pruning shears between cuts to prevent the spread of plant diseases.
Propagation of Hibiscus furcatus Willd. var. microcarpus Mattei
Hibiscus furcatus Willd. var. microcarpus Mattei, commonly known as the Philippine Native Hibiscus, is a beautiful flowering plant that originates in the Philippines. It is commonly propagated either by seeds or cuttings.
Propagation by seeds
Propagation of Hibiscus furcatus Willd. var. microcarpus Mattei through seeds is an easy method, and it is useful when you want to produce new plants in large numbers. Collect the seeds from the matured plant and store them in a dry, dark place. When the time is right, plant the seeds under the soil with an appropriate spacing between the seeds. The seeds require warmth and moisture for germination, and adequate care should be taken to maintain the right conditions.
Propagation by cuttings
Propagation by cuttings involves cutting a piece of the plant and rooting it into a new plant. It is a simple method of propagation that requires less time and effort when compared to propagation by seeds. Cut a 4-6 inch branch from the parent plant, and ensure the cutting has a minimum of two nodes. Remove the lower leaves, dip the cutting in rooting hormone and plant it in a container with good quality soil. Keep the soil moist and warm, and the new plant will start to develop within a few weeks.
Propagation by cuttings works appropriately when the plant is mature enough. Choose a healthy and vigorous plant and take care of the new plant by providing appropriate environmental conditions.
Disease Management
There are a few common diseases that may affect Hibiscus furcatus Willd. var. microcarpus Mattei. One of the most common diseases is powdery mildew, which is a fungal disease caused by the Erysiphales family of fungi. The symptoms of powdery mildew include a white, powdery coating on the leaves, stems, and flowers. To manage powdery mildew, it's essential to maintain good air circulation, prune the plants to increase sunlight, and avoid overhead watering. Fungicides can also be useful in treating powdery mildew.
Another disease that may affect Hibiscus furcatus Willd. var. microcarpus Mattei is leaf spot, which is caused by fungi in the Cercospora or Septoria family. Leaf spot typically manifests itself as small, circular, brown spots on the leaves that may coalesce into large patches of dead tissue. To manage leaf spot, remove the infected leaves, practice good sanitation, and use fungicides that contain copper or chlorothalonil.
Pest Management
Hibiscus furcatus Willd. var. microcarpus Mattei may also be susceptible to damage from a few common pests. Whiteflies are one of the most common pests that affect this plant. Signs of whitefly infestations include a yellow mottling on the leaves and a sticky substance on the leaves and stems. To manage whiteflies, remove the affected leaves, use insecticidal soap or horticultural oil, and increase the number of natural predators in the area.
Mealybugs are another pest that may affect Hibiscus furcatus Willd. var. microcarpus Mattei. These pests typically infest the leaf axils and stems of the plant, and they may cause leaf drop and stunted growth. To manage mealybugs, use a soft brush to dislodge them, use insecticidal soap or horticultural oil, and introduce natural predators like ladybugs and lacewings into the area. Additionally, practicing good sanitation and removing any infested plant material can help prevent future infestations.
