Overview
Lipochaeta lobata (Gaud.) DC. var. hosakae St. John, also known as 'akia or 'akia koha, is a native plant to Hawaii and belongs to the Asteraceae family. This perennial herb is commonly found in dry and rocky areas, and has several traditional uses.
Appearance
The 'akia koha has a woody stem that can grow up to two meters in height. The plant has small, green leaves that are narrow and lobed, and can reach up to ten centimeters in length. The flowers of the 'akia koha are small and yellow, and are arranged in clusters at the ends of the stems.
Common Names
In addition to 'akia koha, the plant is also commonly referred to as 'akia, akia hopu, or hopu.
Uses
The 'akia koha has several traditional uses in Hawaiian culture, including being used as a topical treatment for sunburn and other skin irritations. The plant can also be used to treat bronchitis, asthma, and coughs through its expectorant properties. Additionally, 'akia koha has shown potential in treating certain types of cancer, as it contains compounds that can inhibit the growth of cancer cells.
Aside from its medicinal uses, 'akia koha can also be used as a natural dye for fabrics and materials.
Light Requirements
Lipochaeta lobata (Gaud.) DC. var. hosakae St. John grows well in full sun to partial shade. It prefers bright sunlight but can tolerate moderate shade. Too much shade can lead to reduced growth and weaker stems.
Temperature Requirements
This plant grows well in warm temperatures. It thrives in areas with an average temperature range of 18°C to 27°C. Temperatures below 15°C can slow down the growth, and temperatures below 10°C can lead to leaves yellowing and eventually falling off.
Soil Requirements
The plant prefers well-drained soils with good organic matter. It grows well in sandy or loamy soils that are slightly acidic (pH of 5.5 to 6.5). The soil should be moist but not waterlogged.
Water Requirements
Lipochaeta lobata (Gaud.) DC. var. hosakae St. John prefers regular watering, especially during dry spells. However, overwatering can lead to root rot and fungal diseases, so it's important to avoid waterlogging the soil. A moderate amount of watering once or twice a week is ideal.
Cultivation methods
Lipochaeta lobata (Gaud.) DC. var. hosakae St. John, commonly known as Hosak’s daisy, is a low-growing shrub that is endemic to the Hawaiian Islands. This plant prefers well-draining, rocky soil and can tolerate direct sunlight or partial shade. It can be propagated through stem cuttings or seeds and is relatively easy to grow.
Watering needs
Lipochaeta lobata (Gaud.) DC. var. hosakae St. John requires moderate watering. The soil should be moist but not waterlogged. During the summer months, the plant may require more frequent watering due to the hot and dry conditions. Watering should be reduced during the winter months when the plant goes into a dormant state.
Fertilization
Lipochaeta lobata (Gaud.) DC. var. hosakae St. John does not require frequent fertilization. A slow-release, low-nitrogen fertilizer can be applied during the growing season to promote healthy growth. However, over-fertilization can lead to excessive foliage growth and reduced flowering.
Pruning
Lipochaeta lobata (Gaud.) DC. var. hosakae St. John requires minimal pruning. Dead or damaged branches can be removed as needed. In some cases, the plant may become too leggy or overgrown. Pruning can be used to shape the plant and encourage bushier growth. However, pruning should be done sparingly to avoid damaging the plant's overall structure.
Propagation of Lipochaeta lobata (Gaud.) DC. var. hosakae St. John
The propagation of Lipochaeta lobata (Gaud.) DC. var. hosakae St. John can be achieved through several methods, including:
Seed Propagation
Seeds of Lipochaeta lobata (Gaud.) DC. var. hosakae St. John can be directly sown into the soil after removing the fleshy outer layer. The seeds should be sown at a depth of 1/8 inch and kept moist until germination. Germination can take up to 30 days. Once the seedlings have grown to a size of 2 - 3 inches, they can be transplanted into individual pots.
Division
Lipochaeta lobata (Gaud.) DC. var. hosakae St. John can be propagated by division during the spring or fall. This method involves digging up the plant and dividing the roots and stems into new plants. The new plants can then be replanted in a well-draining soil mix and watered thoroughly.
Stem Cuttings
Another propagation method for Lipochaeta lobata (Gaud.) DC. var. hosakae St. John is through stem cuttings. Cuttings of 4 - 6 inches in length can be taken in the spring or summer and allowed to callus for a day or two. The cuttings can then be planted in a well-draining soil mix and kept moist until new growth appears.
Disease Management
Lipochaeta lobata is susceptible to various diseases, including leaf spot, root rot, and powdery mildew. Leaf spot often manifests as circular brown or black spots on leaves, which eventually lead to their curling or shriveling and falling off. Root rot, on the other hand, causes the root system to decay, leading to wilted and discolored foliage. Powdery mildew, which is common in humid environments, results in powdery white growth on the plant's leaves, stems, and flowers.
To manage these diseases, it's essential to practice good sanitation in your garden. Remove any dead or diseased plant matter and improve air circulation around the plant. A preventive measure in controlling the spread of powdery mildew is applying fungicide sprays and keeping the plants dry. In the case of root rot, it's essential to ensure proper drainage and avoid overwatering the plant to prevent the soil from becoming waterlogged.
Pest Management
Lipochaeta lobata is not known to be significantly impacted by pests. However, aphids, spider mites and whiteflies may occasionally infest the plant. These pests usually suck sap from the plant's leaves and stems, causing them to yellow and eventually die off.
It's recommended to use insecticidal soap or neem oil as a preventive measure to control the spread of these pests. Horticultural oils can also be used to suffocate the insects, and introducing beneficial insects like ladybugs can help control the population of aphids.
