Origin
Lipochaeta forbesii Sherff var. sherffii O. Deg. & Clay is a species of flowering plant that belongs to the sunflower family, Asteraceae. It is native to Hawaii, specifically the islands of Maui, Lana'i, and Moloka'i.
Common Names
Lipochaeta forbesii Sherff var. sherffii O. Deg. & Clay is commonly referred to as yellow-flowered lipochaeta, Forbes' lipochaeta, and hami'i o Forbes in the Hawaiian language.
Uses
Lipochaeta forbesii Sherff var. sherffii O. Deg. & Clay has a variety of uses. It was traditionally used by Native Hawaiians to treat various illnesses, such as headaches, fever, and stomach pains. The plant also has significant cultural value as it is used in lei-making and other traditional crafts. Additionally, lipochaeta is important for maintaining the ecological balance of the Hawaiian islands. It is a crucial component in the diet of the endangered Hawaiian hoary bat and is also an important nectar source for various butterfly species.
General Appearance
Lipochaeta forbesii Sherff var. sherffii O. Deg. & Clay is a perennial shrub that usually grows up to 60 centimeters tall. Its leaves are long and slender, measuring 5 to 15 centimeters in length and 1 to 3 millimeters in width. The flowers are yellow and shaped like a tube and grow in clusters at the end of the plant's branches. The fruit is a small achene that is brown in color and has a feather-like structure that facilitates dispersal by the wind.
Light Requirements
The plant Lipochaeta forbesii Sherff var. sherffii O. Deg. & Clay prefers bright and indirect sunlight for optimal growth. It thrives in partial shade, especially during the hottest hours of the day. Direct sunlight can damage the foliage and cause the plant to wilt. Therefore, it is recommendable to place it in a location with filtered light or provide shade during the afternoon to protect the plant from scorching heat.
Temperature Requirements
Lipochaeta forbesii Sherff var. sherffii O. Deg. & Clay is native to Hawaii and typically grows in warm and humid conditions. Therefore, it thrives in a temperature range of 60 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit. Temperatures below 50 degrees Fahrenheit can cause the plant to go into dormancy, and extended exposure to freezing temperatures can lead to death. To maintain optimal growth conditions, ensure that the plant is not subjected to rapid temperature fluctuations.
Soil Requirements
The soil requirements for Lipochaeta forbesii Sherff var. sherffii O. Deg. & Clay include well-draining, moist soil with a slightly acidic pH range of 5.5 to 6.5. The plant also requires adequate nutrients for optimal growth. Adding organic matter, such as compost or well-rotted manure, can provide the necessary nutrients and improve soil structure. It is advisable to repot the plant annually to keep the soil fresh and replenish nutrients.
Cultivation Methods
Lipochaeta forbesii Sherff var. sherffii O. Deg. & Clay prefers to grow in full sun or partial shade. It requires well-draining soil with a pH range between 6.0 to 7.5. The plant performs well in warm temperatures, approximately 18-24 degrees Celsius.
For optimal growth, it's recommended to propagate the plant through seeds or cuttings. Seeds should be sown in pots, and once they germinate, seedlings can be replanted. Cuttings can be taken in the summer and should be potted in well-draining soil with a rooting hormone added to encourage root growth.
Watering Needs
Lipochaeta forbesii Sherff var. sherffii O. Deg. & Clay requires moderate watering. The soil should be moist but not waterlogged. Overwatering can lead to root rot and fungal diseases. Watering should be done once a week in the summer and once every two weeks in the winter.
It's important to note that this plant is drought tolerant and can withstand short periods without water. Therefore, it's essential to avoid underwatering the plant, as it may cause the plant to wilt or die.
Fertilization
The plant does not require frequent fertilization. It's recommended to fertilize the plant once a month during the growing season using a balanced fertilizer. Overfertilization can lead to root burn or attract pests, so it's crucial to avoid excessive use of fertilizers.
One can apply compost or organic matter to the soil once every three months to boost the soil's fertility. Compost and organic matter help increase the population of beneficial microbes in the soil, providing the necessary nutrients for plant growth.
Pruning
Pruning helps to keep the plant healthy and maintain its shape. It's recommended to pinch off the tips of the plant when it reaches six inches in height to encourage bushier growth.
If the plant becomes too leggy or overgrown, one can prune it by cutting the stems back to about half their original length. Pruning should be done after the blooming period, around late fall or early winter, to encourage new growth in the spring. It's essential to use clean and sharp pruning shears to avoid crushing or tearing the stem.
Propagation of Lipochaeta forbesii Sherff var. sherffii O. Deg. & Clay
Lipochaeta forbesii Sherff var. sherffii O. Deg. & Clay, commonly known as Hawaiian Beach-Head Aster, is a native plant of Hawaii. This plant can be propagated through seeds and stem cuttings.
Seed Propagation
The seeds of Lipochaeta forbesii Sherff var. sherffii O. Deg. & Clay are small and lightweight. They can be directly sown into the soil or started indoors in seed trays. The soil mix used for planting should be well-drained and moist. Once the seeds germinate, they should be placed in a bright location, but not direct sunlight, to grow. They should also be watered regularly, but care should be taken not to overwater as the plant is prone to rot.
Stem Cutting Propagation
Stem cuttings can also be used to propagate Lipochaeta forbesii Sherff var. sherffii O. Deg. & Clay. Cuttings should be taken from new growth and should be about 4-6 inches long. The lower leaves on the cutting should be removed, and the cuttings should be dipped into a rooting hormone to encourage growth. The cuttings should then be planted in a well-draining soil mix and kept moist, but not waterlogged. The cuttings should be placed in a bright location but not direct sunlight to develop roots and new growth.
Disease Management
The Lipochaeta forbesii Sherff var. sherffii O. Deg. & Clay plant is relatively resistant to diseases. However, it can be affected by fungal and bacterial infections. Some of the common diseases that may affect the plant are:
- Leaf Spot: This disease is caused by the fungal pathogen Cercospora sp. and is characterized by the formation of dark brown to black circular spots on the leaves. To manage this disease, it is important to remove and destroy the infected leaves and avoid overhead irrigation to reduce leaf wetness. Fungicides may also be used if the infection is severe.
- Root Rot: This is a disease caused by the pathogenic fungi Fusarium sp. and Phytophthora sp. It is characterized by the decay of roots, leading to reduced plant growth and death. To manage this disease, it is important to ensure proper drainage and avoid overwatering. Fungicides may also be used to manage the disease.
- Bacterial Blight: This is a disease caused by the bacterium Pseudomonas syringae pv. lipochaecola and is characterized by the formation of water-soaked lesions on the leaves. To manage this disease, it is important to prune and destroy the infected plant parts and avoid overhead irrigation to reduce leaf wetness. Copper-based fungicides can also be used to manage the disease.
Pest Management
Lipochaeta forbesii Sherff var. sherffii O. Deg. & Clay plant is also relatively resistant to pests. However, it can be affected by some pests, including:
- Aphids: These are small insects that suck the sap from the plant, leading to reduced growth and deformation. To manage aphids, it is important to spray the plant with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
- Spider Mites: These are tiny, reddish-brown mites that feed on the plant's sap and cause yellowing of the leaves. To manage spider mites, it is important to spray the plant with water to reduce their population and then use insecticidal soap or neem oil.
- Thrips: These are small insects that feed on the plant's sap and cause deformation of the leaves. To manage thrips, it is important to spray the plant with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
- Mealybugs: These are small, white, cottony insects that suck the sap from the plant, leading to reduced growth. To manage mealybugs, it is important to spray the plant with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
