Origin and Common Names
Labordia hedyosmifolia Baill. var. centralis (Skottsberg) St. John, also known as the Central Hawaiian Labordia, is endemic to Hawaii. It belongs to the family of Gesneriaceae. In Hawaiian, it is called 'kamakahala.'
Uses
Labordia hedyosmifolia Baill. var. centralis is highly valued as an ornamental plant and is grown as a houseplant in various parts of the world. In Hawaii, it is also used in traditional medicine to treat seizures, coughs, and fever.
General Appearance
Labordia hedyosmifolia Baill. var. centralis is a shrub with dark green leaves that are oval-shaped with slightly toothed margins. The plant typically grows up to 4 meters tall and has showy, trumpet-shaped flowers that are yellowish-green with reddish-brown streaks. The flowers are about 4 cm long and have five flat petals and a yellowish-green tube. The fruit of the plant is a capsule that contains numerous small, black seeds.
Overall, Labordia hedyosmifolia Baill. var. centralis is a striking and useful plant that is enjoyed by many people both for its beauty and its medicinal properties.Light Conditions
The Labordia hedyosmifolia Baill. var. centralis (Skottsberg) St. John typically grows in semi-shaded or shaded conditions. It can also tolerate full sun in areas with high humidity.
Temperature Conditions
The Labordia hedyosmifolia Baill. var. centralis (Skottsberg) St. John prefers a warm, tropical climate with temperatures ranging from 22°C to 27°C. It can grow in cooler temperatures, but growth may be slow.
Soil Requirements
Labordia hedyosmifolia Baill. var. centralis (Skottsberg) St. John requires well-drained soils that are rich in organic matter. It can grow in a variety of soils, including sandy loam, clay loam, and rocky soils. The soil should also have a pH range between 6.0 and 7.0.
Cultivation Methods
The Labordia hedyosmifolia Baill. var. centralis (Skottsberg) St. John is a plant that thrives in tropical conditions and often grows in rocky, volcanic terrain. Thus, it needs to be grown in a well-draining soil mixture and planted in an area with full sunlight. Avoid planting in waterlogged soil or under shade; otherwise, the plant may fail to thrive. It can also be propagated using stem cuttings or by layering, though seed propagation is more reliable.
Watering Needs
Labordia hedyosmifolia Baill. var. centralis (Skottsberg) St. John is a drought-tolerant plant, but it still needs regular watering, especially during the dry season. Water it once a week or more, depending on the temperature and how quickly the soil dries out. Avoid over-watering as this may cause root rot or fungal diseases.
Fertilization
The plant does not require frequent fertilization but benefits from occasional feeding. Use a balanced fertilizer with equal amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Apply the fertilizer once every three to four months during the growing season (spring and summer). Do not fertilize during the dormant season (fall and winter).
Pruning
Prune the Labordia hedyosmifolia Baill. var. centralis (Skottsberg) St. John to keep it compact and promote growth. Prune immediately after flowering or during the dormant season. Remove dead, damaged, or diseased branches, and cut back old and leggy growth to encourage new shoots. Also, remove any crossing branches to prevent rubbing and wounds. Use sharp, clean pruning shears to prevent the spread of diseases.
Propagation methods for Labordia hedyosmifolia Baill. var. centralis (Skottsberg) St. John
Labordia hedyosmifolia Baill. var. centralis (Skottsberg) St. John, commonly known as Koki'o ke'oke'o, is a rare endemic Hawaiian plant species that belongs to the family of Loganiaceae. The propagation of Koki'o ke'oke'o is essential for the preservation of the species as it is threatened by habitat destruction and invasive species. There are a few propagation methods that can be used for the successful propagation of Koki'o ke'oke'o.
Seed Propagation
The propagation of Koki'o ke'oke'o from seeds is possible, but it requires a lot of patience and attention. The seeds require scarification, which is the process of mechanically breaking or weakening the hard seed coat to promote germination. Scarification can be achieved by lightly sanding the seeds or placing them in boiling water and allowing them to soak for 12 to 24 hours. After scarification, the seeds can be planted in well-draining soil mix and kept moist in a warm location. Germination can take several months, and the success rate is often low.
Cuttings Propagation
Another propagation method for Koki'o ke'oke'o is through vegetative cuttings. The cuttings should be taken from the softwood of the plant during the active growth phase. The cuttings should be around 3 to 5 inches long, and all the leaves except for the top two should be removed. The cuttings can be planted in well-draining soil mix and kept moist in a warm location. The cuttings should root within 4 to 6 weeks, and after around six months, they can be transplanted into larger pots or in a suitable location in the garden.
Air Layering Propagation
Air layering is also a propagation method for the Koki'o ke'oke'o. It involves making a small cut in the stem and wrapping a moist growing medium around the cut. The wrapped area is then covered by plastic, and after a few weeks, roots should grow from the cut. Once roots have formed, the layer can be cut off and planted in well-draining soil mix.
Propagation of Koki'o ke'oke'o is a continuous process that requires patience and dedication. It is essential to take care of the mother plant and ensure its health for successful propagation. Additionally, it is important to take precautions while propagating Koki'o ke'oke'o to avoid the spread of plant diseases.
Disease and Pest Management for Labordia hedyosmifolia Baill. var. centralis (Skottsberg) St. John
Labordia hedyosmifolia Baill. var. centralis (Skottsberg) St. John is a beautiful and delicate plant found in Hawaii. It is susceptible to various diseases and pests that can cause damage and even death to the plant. It is, therefore, important to manage these pests and diseases properly to keep the plant healthy and thriving.
Common Diseases
One of the most common diseases that affect Labordia hedyosmifolia Baill. var. centralis (Skottsberg) St. John is root rot. This disease is caused by a fungus that thrives in wet soil conditions. The fungus attacks the roots, causing them to rot and eventually killing the plant. To manage root rot, it is essential to ensure that the soil is well-drained. Avoid overwatering the plant and plant it in a well-draining soil mix.
Another disease that can affect Labordia hedyosmifolia Baill. var. centralis (Skottsberg) St. John is powdery mildew. This disease is caused by a fungus that thrives in humid conditions. It presents as a powdery white coating on the leaves. To manage powdery mildew, it is vital to ensure proper air circulation around the plant by planting it in an open area or regularly pruning overgrown branches.
Common Pests
Aphids are one of the most common pests that attack Labordia hedyosmifolia Baill. var. centralis (Skottsberg) St. John. These insects suck the sap out of the plant, causing it to wilt and eventually die. To manage aphids, use insecticidal soap or neem oil to kill them. Regularly spraying the plant with water also helps to control aphids.
Mealybugs are another common pest that attacks Labordia hedyosmifolia Baill. var. centralis (Skottsberg) St. John. They attach themselves to the underside of the plant's leaves and suck its sap. To manage mealybugs, use insecticidal soap or neem oil to kill them. Additionally, you can wipe the plant's leaves with a cotton ball dipped in rubbing alcohol to remove any mealybugs.
Conclusion
Overall, maintaining a healthy growing environment for Labordia hedyosmifolia Baill. var. centralis (Skottsberg) St. John is one of the essential steps to avoid any harmful diseases and pests. With the right management techniques and care, this plant can thrive and remain healthy for years to come.
