Origin
Lipochaeta rockii Sherff var. subovata Sherff is a plant species that belongs to the Compositae family. It is commonly found in the mountains of Hawaii, specifically on the islands of Maui and Moloka'i.
Common Name
Lipochaeta rockii Sherff var. subovata Sherff is commonly known as 'nohoanu' in Hawaiian. The name 'nohoanu' translates to 'cold sitting', which refers to the plant's preference for high altitude and cooler climates.
Appearance
Lipochaeta rockii Sherff var. subovata Sherff is a small herbaceous plant that grows up to 30 cm in height. It has smooth stems and oval-shaped leaves with toothed edges. The plant produces small yellow flowers that bloom in clusters at the end of its stems. The fruit of the plant is a small achene that is about 3 mm in length.
Uses
Lipochaeta rockii Sherff var. subovata Sherff is a rare and endangered plant species. It is currently listed as critically endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). This plant has no known uses for medicinal or culinary purposes.
Light Requirements
Lipochaeta rockii Sherff var. subovata Sherff requires bright and indirect sunlight. It is recommended to place the plant in a location with south or west facing windows for the plant to thrive. Direct sunlight can cause damage to the plant's foliage.
Temperature Requirements
The plant grows well in warm conditions. It prefers temperatures ranging from 60-75°F (15-23°C) during the day and 50-60°F (10-15°C) during the night. The plant does not tolerate extreme heat and cold conditions.
Soil Requirements
The soil must be well-draining and rich in organic matter. A mixture of peat moss, perlite, and coarse sand is ideal for the plant's growth. It is recommended to maintain soil moisture but not to overwater the plant. Overwatering can lead to root rot, which can cause the plant to die.
Cultivation Methods
Lipochaeta rockii Sherff var. subovata Sherff is an evergreen shrub that prefers well-drained soil with high organic matter content and partial to full sun exposure. It is frost-tolerant and can withstand dry conditions. This species is often propagated through cuttings during the spring and summer months when growth is active. It is important to ensure that the cutting medium is well-drained and has good aeration to prevent fungal diseases.
Watering Needs
It is important to regulate the watering frequency to prevent overwatering, which may lead to root rot. The soil should be kept uniformly moist during the growing season, but reduce watering during winter to avoid waterlogging the soil. Lipochaeta rockii Sherff var. subovata Sherff prefers a moderate level of humidity, so it is advisable to mist the leaves occasionally with clean water.
Fertilization
A balanced fertilizer is recommended to provide the necessary nutrients for optimal growth. The application of slow-release fertilizers every three months during the growing season is advisable, as this provides a steady and continuous supply of nutrients. Fertilizers should be applied in accordance with package instructions, and overfeeding should be avoided to prevent chemical buildup in the soil.
Pruning
Lipochaeta rockii Sherff var. subovata Sherff responds well to pruning. Pruning can be done during late winter or early spring, where old and withered branches can be removed to promote new growth. Regular pruning also helps to maintain the shape and size of the shrub. It is important to sanitize pruning tools to prevent the spread of diseases from infected plants to healthy plants.
Propagation of Lipochaeta rockii Sherff var. subovata Sherff
The Lipochaeta rockii Sherff var. subovata Sherff plant can be propagated through various methods. The best method varies depending on the grower's preference and environmental factors:
Seed Propagation
Seed propagation is the easiest method of propagating Lipochaeta rockii Sherff var. subovata Sherff plants. Collect seeds when the flower heads begin to dry out and turn brown. The seeds are tiny, so handle them carefully.
Start by cleaning the seeds with a fine-meshed strainer to remove any debris. Sow the seeds in a seedling tray containing well-draining soil and cover with a thin layer of soil. Water gently, and cover the tray with plastic wrap to keep the soil moist. Place the tray in a warm, well-lit area and keep it moist until the seedlings emerge.
Division
Division is another effective method of propagation. This method is best for mature Lipochaeta rockii Sherff var. subovata Sherff plants that have been growing for a few years. In the early spring when new shoots begin to appear, gently dig up the entire root system and divide it into smaller sections, ensuring that each section has an adequate root system. Transplant each section into a new pot or location in the garden, taking care to provide regular water and nutrients.
Cuttings
Although seed propagation and division are the most common methods, cuttings can also be used to propagate Lipochaeta rockii Sherff var. subovata Sherff plants. Take stem cuttings from a mature plant in late spring or early summer when the plant is in active growth. Cut a 4-6 inch section from the end of a stem and remove the lower leaves. Dip the cut end in rooting hormone, and then plant the cutting in a well-draining soil mix. Cover the cutting with a plastic bag to increase humidity and keep the soil consistently moist. After a few weeks, the cutting should take root and can be transplanted to its permanent location.
Disease Management
Lipochaeta rockii Sherff var. subovata Sherff is generally a healthy plant species. They can, however, suffer from a few diseases which include the following:
Leaf Spot
Leaf spot is caused by the fungus Cercospora cyclaminis and appears as small, circular spots on the leaves. Infected leaves often turn yellow and may drop prematurely. To manage this disease, remove infected leaves and use fungicides that contain copper, sulfur, or chlorothalonil.
Powdery Mildew
Powdery mildew is caused by a fungal pathogen that attacks plant leaves, stems, and flowers. Infected leaves often have a whitish-gray powder-like substance on them. To manage this disease, remove infected leaves, improve air circulation, and apply fungicides that contain potassium bicarbonate, neem oil, or sulfur.
Root Rot
Root rot is caused by a soil-borne fungus that thrives in wet conditions. The first signs of root rot are yellowing leaves and stunted growth. To manage this disease, reduce watering, improve soil drainage, and apply fungicides that contain fosetyl-Al or azoxystrobin.
Pest Management
Lipochaeta rockii Sherff var. subovata Sherff may also suffer from an infestation of pests such as:
Aphids
Aphids are small, soft-bodied insects that feed on the sap of plants, causing leaves to wilt and curl. To manage this pest, use insecticidal soaps, neem oil, or horticultural oils.
Spider Mites
Spider mites are tiny, eight-legged pests that suck the sap from leaves, leaving behind a stippled or mottled appearance. To manage this pest, increase humidity, use insecticidal soaps or oils, or introduce predatory mites or ladybugs.
Caterpillars
Caterpillars are the larvae of moths and butterflies that can cause significant damage to plants by chewing on leaves and stems. To manage this pest, remove caterpillars by hand, use Bacillus thuringiensis (BT) spray, or introduce natural predators such as birds or parasitic wasps.
