Origin
Labordia molokaiana Baill. var. phyllocalyx (Hbd.) Sherff, commonly known as the Milolii, is a Hawaiian endemic plant found in the state of Hawaii. This plant is native to the west coast of Moloka?i Island, an ancient yet active volcano, in lowland dry forests.
Common Names
The plant's common names include Milolii, Milolii Labordia, and Moloka'i Labordia. It belongs to the coffee family (Rubiaceae), which has more than 13,000 species worldwide.
Uses
The use of Labordia molokaiana Baill. var. phyllocalyx (Hbd.) Sherff in traditional Hawaiian medicine is unknown to date. However, the plant serves as a food source for some of Moloka?i's insects, such as moths and caterpillars. The fruit of this plant is a dry two-celled capsule that dehisces at maturity, and the seeds disperse primarily through wind and gravity.
General Appearance
Labordia molokaiana Baill. var. phyllocalyx (Hbd.) Sherff is a shrub that grows up to 1.5 meters tall. The plant's leaves are narrow and shiny, with a greenish-yellow coloration that turns purplish-red in sunlight. The upper part of the leaf is hairless, while the lower side is covered with fine hairs. The plant's flowers grow in clusters at the plant tips and possess a unique, trumpet-shaped, and pinkish-red corolla that measures about 8 – 15 mm long. The fruit of this plant is dehiscent.
Growth Conditions for Labordia Molokaiana Baill. var. Phyllocalyx (Hbd.) Sherff
Light: Labordia molokaiana Baill. var. phyllocalyx (Hbd.) Sherff thrives in environments with bright and direct sunlight. Since it is native to Hawaii, it grows best in tropical or subtropical climates where the sun is abundant. It is recommended to plant it in a location where it can receive at least 6 hours of sunlight per day. In areas with extremely high temperatures, partial shade may be necessary to prevent wilting.
Temperature: This plant species prefers warm temperatures ranging between 70-85°F (21-29°C). Although it can tolerate slight temperature fluctuations, it does not do well in temperatures below 60°F (15°C). In areas with cooler climates, Labordia molokaiana Baill. var. phyllocalyx (Hbd.) Sherff can be grown indoors or in a greenhouse where temperature and humidity levels can be controlled to suit its requirements.
Soil: The ideal soil for Labordia molokaiana Baill. var. phyllocalyx (Hbd.) Sherff is well-draining, moist, and rich in organic matter. It prefers soils with a slightly acidic pH between 5.5 to 6.5. A sandy loam or loamy soil mix is recommended for planting this species. When planting in containers, ensure that the pot has drainage holes to prevent water-logging, which can cause root rot.
Water: This plant species requires regular watering to keep the soil moist. However, it is essential not to overwater as this can lead to root rot and other diseases. The frequency of watering will depend on the location and climate. During hot and dry weather, the plant may require watering twice a week or as needed. During the colder months, watering should be reduced to prevent water-logging.
Fertilizer: Labordia molokaiana Baill. var. phyllocalyx (Hbd.) Sherff requires regular fertilization to promote growth. It is recommended to use a balanced fertilizer, with equal parts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium (NPK) once a month during the growing season. Alternatively, an organic all-purpose fertilizer can also be used to provide the necessary nutrients.
Humidity: This plant species thrives in high humidity levels between 50-80%. If grown in areas with low humidity, it is recommended to mist the leaves regularly to increase moisture levels. In drier climates, a humidifier can be used to maintain the ideal humidity levels needed for growth.
Cultivation of Labordia molokaiana Baill. var. phyllocalyx
The Labordia molokaiana Baill. var. phyllocalyx is an endemic plant found in Hawaii. It is a rare species that requires proper cultivation methods to thrive in gardens or conservatories. The following are the cultivation practices that can help you grow healthy Labordia molokaiana Baill. var. phyllocalyx plant:
Watering Needs of Labordia molokaiana Baill. var. phyllocalyx
To ensure healthy plant growth, Labordia molokaiana Baill. var. phyllocalyx requires moderate watering. Do not overwater as this can result in root rot and may lead to plant death. Water the plant only when the topsoil seems to dry up. You can also water the plant when you notice signs of wilting. It is crucial to maintain soil moisture to keep the plant healthy.
Fertilization of Labordia molokaiana Baill. var. phyllocalyx
Labordia molokaiana Baill. var. phyllocalyx can benefit from regular fertilization. You can use a slow-release fertilizer to feed the plant. It is advisable to fertilize the plant during the growing season and stop during the winter months. The fertilizer should contain the necessary nutrients that the plant requires to boost growth and promote healthy foliage.
Pruning of Labordia molokaiana Baill. var. phyllocalyx
To keep a healthy plant, it is important to prune the plant. Prune the plant to reduce its length and also to encourage new growth. Cut off any branches that grow out of proportion and dead flowers and leaves. Doing so will provide enough light and nutrients to promote healthy growth.
Propagation of Labordia molokaiana Baill. var. phyllocalyx (Hbd.) Sherff
Labordia molokaiana Baill. var. phyllocalyx (Hbd.) Sherff is traditionally propagated through seeds. However, cuttings have also been successful in propagating this species.
Propagation by Seeds
The seeds of Labordia molokaiana Baill. var. phyllocalyx (Hbd.) Sherff can be collected from mature fruits that have turned brown. The seeds can be cleaned and stored in a cool, dry place until ready for use. The best time to plant the seeds is during the wet season, as this is when the natural conditions are most favorable for germination. The seeds can be planted in a well-draining potting mix and kept moist. Germination can take up to several months.
Propagation by Cuttings
Cuttings are taken from mature plants and should be at least 3-4 inches in length. The cuttings can be treated with a rooting hormone and planted in a well-draining potting mix. They should be kept moist and in a warm, shaded area until they have rooted. This can take anywhere from a few weeks to several months. Once the cuttings have rooted, they can be transplanted into larger pots or directly into the ground.
Disease Management
The Labordia molokaiana Baill. var. phyllocalyx (Hbd.) Sherff can be affected by various diseases. Here are some of the common diseases that can affect the plant:
- Fungal Leaf Spots: This disease is characterized by small, circular spots on the leaves. These spots can be light or dark brown, black, or yellow in color.
- Root Rot: Root rot is a fungal disease that causes the roots to become brown and mushy. The leaves of the plant will turn yellow and wilt.
- Powdery Mildew: Powdery mildew is a fungal disease that appears as a powdery white or gray coating on the leaves, stems, and flowers of the plant.
To manage these diseases, it is important to practice good sanitation and cultural practices, such as removing and destroying infected plant material. Fungicides may also be used to control fungal diseases.
Pest Management
Labordia molokaiana Baill. var. phyllocalyx (Hbd.) Sherff can also be affected by pests. Here are some of the common pests that can affect the plant:
- Aphids: Aphids are small, sap-sucking insects that can affect the growth and development of the plant. They can be controlled with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
- Thrips: Thrips are tiny insects that can damage the plant by feeding on the leaves and flowers. Insecticidal soap or neem oil can help control thrips.
- Spider Mites: Spider mites are small, spider-like pests that can cause damage to the plant by sucking the sap from the leaves. They can be controlled with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Regular monitoring of the plant for pests and early detection can help manage pest problems. Insecticidal soap or neem oil can be used to control pests. It is important to follow the instructions on the label when applying these products.
