Overview
Lipochaeta lobata (Gaud.) DC. var. aprevalliana (del Castillo) Sherff, commonly known as `Aprevali Lipochaeta,' is a plant species from the Asteraceae family.
Origin
The plant is native to Hawaii's Big Island and is also found in other regions of Hawaii.
Common Names
The plant is commonly known as `Aprevali Lipochaeta' or simply `Lipochaeta.'
Appearance
Lipochaeta lobata (Gaud.) DC. var. aprevalliana (del Castillo) Sherff is a short-lived perennial herb that grows up to 80 cm in height. The plant has elongated, sparsely hairy leaves that are arranged oppositely. It produces composite flowers with yellow to orangish-yellow ray florets. The disk flowers are brown and arranged in the center of the flower head.
Uses
The leaves of Lipochaeta lobata (Gaud.) DC. var. aprevalliana (del Castillo) Sherff are used in traditional Hawaiian medicine to treat various ailments like rheumatism and asthma. The plant's extract has antimicrobial and antioxidant properties and is used in the cosmetic industry. Additionally, the plant is also grown as an ornamental plant in gardens.
Light Requirements
Lipochaeta lobata (Gaud.) DC. var. aprevalliana (del Castillo) Sherff typically grows in full sun to partially shaded areas. It can tolerate some shade, but too much shade will cause it to grow tall and spindly, producing fewer flowers.
Temperature Requirements
This plant prefers warm, tropical to subtropical climates. It can tolerate temperatures as low as 15°C (59°F) but thrives in temperatures ranging from 21°C to 27°C (70°F to 81°F). It is susceptible to frost and cannot withstand freezing temperatures.
Soil Requirements
Lipochaeta lobata (Gaud.) DC. var. aprevalliana (del Castillo) Sherff prefers well-draining soils with medium to low fertility. It can tolerate slightly acidic to slightly alkaline soils, with a pH ranging from 5.5 to 7.5. The plant can grow in a variety of soil textures, including sand, loam, and clay, but prefers a sandy loam soil.
Cultivation
Lipochaeta lobata var. aprevalliana is a sun-loving plant that prefers well-draining soil. It can be grown outdoors in areas that receive plenty of sunshine and have a warm climate. It is also suitable for container cultivation, which is ideal for those living in cooler climates or with limited outdoor space.
The plant should be planted in sandy loam soil with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.5. It is recommended to add organic compost to the soil to improve its fertility. Plant the sapling at the same depth as in the pot or nursery bag and water it well after planting.
Watering Needs
The plant requires moderate watering. It should be watered thoroughly once a week in areas with low rainfall. During the summer months, the plant may need more frequent watering to prevent the soil from getting too dry. However, avoid overwatering, which can lead to root rot. Before watering, ensure the soil is dry to a depth of one or two inches.
Fertilization
The plant requires a balanced nitrogen-phosphorous-potassium (NPK) fertilizer, particularly during the growing seasons, to maintain healthy foliage and promote blooming. Use a slow-release fertilizer once a month according to the instructions provided by the manufacturer. It is also recommended to add organic fertilizers like bone meal or compost to the soil to boost its nutrition.
Pruning
Pruning should be done after blooming, around fall or early winter. Remove any dead or diseased leaves, stems, and flowers. Proper pruning helps the plant maintain its overall shape and encourages the growth of new shoots.
Propagation of Lipochaeta lobata (Gaud.) DC. var. aprevalliana (del Castillo) Sherff
The propagation of Lipochaeta lobata (Gaud.) DC. var. aprevalliana (del Castillo) Sherff can be done through both sexual and asexual means.
Propagation by Seeds
The most common method of propagation is through seeds. The seeds should be sown into well-drained soil, and covered with a thin layer of soil. The soil should be kept moist until the seeds germinate, which usually takes around 2-4 weeks.
After germination, the seedlings should be gradually exposed to more sunlight and should be fertilized regularly with a balanced fertilizer. They should also be protected from extreme cold, heat, and wind.
Propagation by Cuttings
Lipochaeta lobata (Gaud.) DC. var. aprevalliana (del Castillo) Sherff can also be propagated through stem cuttings. The cuttings should be taken from the current season’s growth and should be around 4-6 inches long.
The leaves should be removed from the lower half of the cutting, and the wound should be treated with a rooting hormone. The cutting should then be planted in well-drained soil, and covered with a plastic bag or a glass jar to maintain humidity.
The cutting should be kept in a warm and well-lit area, but not exposed to direct sunlight. After 2-4 weeks, roots should start to form, and the plant can be transplanted to a larger pot and moved to a brighter location.
Disease and Pest Management for Lipochaeta lobata var. aprevalliana
Lipochaeta lobata var. aprevalliana is a species of plant that can be affected by various pests and diseases that could damage or even cause the death of the plant. Proper disease and pest management are essential for maintaining the health and vitality of the plant.
Common diseases
The following are the common diseases that can affect Lipochaeta lobata var. aprevalliana:
Root rot
Root rot is a fungal disease that can cause wilting, yellowing, and eventual death of the plant. To avoid root rot, it is essential to ensure proper drainage as well as not over-watering the plant. Infected plants should be immediately removed to prevent the spread of the disease.
Leaf Spot
Leaf Spot is a fungal disease that can affect the leaves, causing yellowing, brown spots, and unsightly damage to the foliage. To avoid this disease, provide adequate spacing between plants and avoid overcrowding. Spraying with a copper-based fungicide can also help control the spread of the disease.
Common Pests
The following are the common pests that can affect Lipochaeta lobata var. aprevalliana:
Aphids
Aphids are small, soft-bodied insects that suck the sap from the plant, causing wilting, yellowing, and curling of the leaves. To control aphids, it is important to prune infected areas and wash the plant with water. Excessive aphid infestation could require the use of an insecticidal soap.
Spider Mites
Spider mites are tiny pests that appear as small brown or red dots on the leaves of the plant. They cause discolored and distorted leaves, as well as webbing. To prevent spider mites, maintain adequate humidity levels and avoid over-fertilizing. The use of an insecticidal soap or neem oil may be necessary to get rid of spider mites.
Caterpillars
Caterpillars are the larvae of butterflies and moths that feed on leaves and can cause significant damage to the plant. Handpicking is an effective way to control caterpillars. In severe infestations, spraying with Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) can also be effective.
By proper management of these pests and diseases, Lipochaeta lobata var. aprevalliana can thrive and provide bright foliage all year round, with minimum damage caused to the plant.
