Overview
Lipochaeta exigua O. Deg. & Sherff is a species of flowering plant in the sunflower family, endemic to the Hawaiian Islands. This plant is commonly known as small-headed lipochaeta or ukiawale. It is a threatened species due to habitat destruction and invasive species.
Appearance
Lipochaeta exigua is a small perennial herb with a slender stem that can grow up to 50cm tall. The leaves are alternate and simple, oval to oblong in shape, with a length of 4-10cm. The flowers are small and insignificant, with yellow-brownish disk florets surrounded by 4-9 white to pale yellow ray florets. The inflorescence is a corymb of terminal or axillary heads with a diameter of 3-8mm.
Uses
Lipochaeta exigua has no known medicinal uses. However, it is an important component of the Hawaiian dry forest ecosystem, serving as a food source for native insects and birds. The plant has been used in traditional Hawaiian culture for making lei (a necklace made of flowers and leaves) and for cultural practices.
Light Requirements
Lipochaeta exigua O. Deg. & Sherff plants require full sunlight or partial shade. The plant can grow under shady conditions but flowering can be reduced under such conditions.
Temperature Requirements
The plant can tolerate a range of temperatures, but the optimal temperature range for Lipochaeta exigua O. Deg. & Sherff growth is between 18°C and 27°C. The plant can adapt to high temperatures but may experience stunted growth and wilting if temperatures are consistently above 35°C. On the other hand, the plant may not survive in temperatures below 13°C.
Soil Requirements
Lipochaeta exigua O. Deg. & Sherff can grow in a wide range of soil types, including poorly drained soils. The plant prefers well-drained soils with a pH between 5.5 and 7.5. It can tolerate soils with low fertility but addition of organic matter can boost growth and flowering. Regular watering is important to maintain soil moisture as the plant cannot tolerate drought.
Cultivation methods
The Lipochaeta exigua O. Deg. & Sherff plant prefers well-drained soils and full sun exposure. It can easily thrive in any soil type, ranging from mildly acidic to slightly alkaline. The plant requires a moderate amount of watering and pruning to maintain its shape and promote growth. It is best to plant the Lipochaeta exigua in the spring or early summer.
Watering needs
The Lipochaeta exigua O. Deg. & Sherff plant requires consistent watering to remain healthy and beautiful. However, the plant is susceptible to root rot, so it is not advisable to water it excessively. Water the plant on a weekly basis, ensuring that the soil is moist but not waterlogged. When watering, avoid wetting the foliage as it can promote the growth of fungal diseases.
Fertilization
The Lipochaeta exigua O. Deg. & Sherff plant does not require frequent fertilization to grow and thrive. However, you can apply a balanced fertilizer at the beginning of the growing season to enhance its growth. Avoid applying fertilizer during the dormant period, as it can promote the growth of weak and vulnerable shoots.
Pruning
Pruning is an essential aspect of maintaining the beautiful shape and growth of the Lipochaeta exigua O. Deg. & Sherff plant. Prune the plant in late winter or early spring, just before the new growth emerges. Remove any dead or diseased branches, and trim back the overgrown branches to shape the plant. Regular pruning will improve the plant's overall health and promote the growth of new and vibrant shoots.
Propagation of Lipochaeta exigua O. Deg. & Sherff
Lipochaeta exigua O. Deg. & Sherff, commonly known as Dwarf Copperleaf, is a herbaceous plant that belongs to the Asteraceae family. It is native to the Hawaiian Islands, where it can be found growing in dry to mesic forests and shrublands. The plant can be propagated using several methods.
Seed Propagation
The plant produces small seeds that can be collected and used for propagation. The best time to collect seeds is when the flowers have faded, and the bracts are dry. Once the seeds are collected, they should be cleaned and stored in a dry place until they are ready to be sown.
The seeds can be sown directly in a well-draining potting mix or seed-starting soil. The potting mix should be moistened before sowing the seeds. The seeds should be sown at a depth of 1/8 inch and covered lightly with soil. The pots should be kept in a warm, bright place, ensuring the soil is kept moist until the seeds germinate, which usually takes two to four weeks.
Vegetative Propagation
Lipochaeta exigua O. Deg. & Sherff can also be propagated vegetatively using stem cuttings. The best time to take cuttings is during the growing season when the plant is actively growing.
The cuttings should be taken from a healthy, disease-free plant and should be 4 to 6 inches in length. Any lower leaves should be removed, and the cuttings should be planted in a well-draining potting mix. The pot should be kept in a bright, warm place, and the soil should be kept moist. Roots should start to form in approximately four to six weeks.
Overall, Lipochaeta exigua O. Deg. & Sherff is a versatile plant that can be propagated using both seed and vegetative methods, making it easy to propagate and grow in a variety of conditions.
Disease Management
Lipochaeta exigua O. Deg. & Sherff, commonly known as yellowtop, is susceptible to various diseases. The most common diseases that affect this plant are powdery mildew, leaf spot, and root rot. Powdery mildew is a fungal disease that appears as a white or grayish powdery growth on the leaves, stems, and flower buds. Leaf spot, on the other hand, is a fungal disease that appears as dark brown to black spots on the leaves. Root rot is a disease caused by overwatering, leading to the death of the plant roots.
To manage powdery mildew and leaf spot, use a fungicidal spray containing neem oil, potassium bicarbonate, or sulfur. These treatments effectively kill the fungi causing the diseases. It's paramount to remove and destroy any infected plant material, such as leaves and stems, to prevent the disease from spreading. To manage root rot, ensure proper drainage of the soil, don't overwater the plant, and apply fungicidal drenches to the soil. Also, avoid planting yellowtop in poorly drained soils.
Pest Management
Yellowtop attracts pests such as aphids, spider mites, and whiteflies. These pests suck the plant sap, ultimately causing yellowing or curling of the leaves. The pests can also transmit viral diseases, further threatening the plant's health.
To manage these pests, implement good cultural practices such as keeping the garden clean, regularly weeding, and avoiding overfertilization. You can also use insecticidal sprays containing insecticidal soap, neem oil or pyrethrin. These treatments kill the pests and prevent their re-infestation. For severe infestations, use chemical pesticides sparingly and as a last resort.
To prevent pests from attacking your yellowtop plant, you can introduce beneficial insects such as ladybugs, lacewings and parasitic wasps. These predatory insects feed on the pests, keeping their numbers in check, which ultimately helps preserve the plant's health.
