Origin
Melicope lohiauana, also known as B.C. Stone, is a species in the Rutaceae family that is endemic to the Hawaiian Islands. This plant is found only on the island of Kauai, where it grows in moist, low-elevation forests.
Common Names
B.C. Stone is known by a few different common names, including Lohiau Melicope, Lohiau 'o' Hawaii, and Kulu'i. The latter name is derived from one of its traditional uses by native Hawaiians.
Uses
For centuries, Melicope lohiauana has been used by native Hawaiians for various medicinal purposes. The plant is believed to have analgesic properties, making it useful for treating pain. It has also been used as a general tonic and to alleviate coughs and colds.
Another traditional use of B.C. Stone is as a scent for traditional Hawaiian leis. The plant's fragrant white flowers are used to make leis, which are then worn during special events and celebrations.
General Appearance
B.C. Stone is a small tree or shrub that typically grows up to 6 meters tall. Its leaves are glossy and green, with a leathery texture, and grow up to 20 centimeters long. The flowers are small and white with a pleasant fragrance. The fruit of the plant is a small capsule that measures about a centimeter in diameter and contains several seeds.
Overall, the Melicope lohiauana is an attractive and useful plant that is culturally significant to the Hawaiian people. Its unique characteristics make it an interesting addition to any garden or natural area.
Light Requirements
The plant Melicope lohiauana typically prefers to grow in areas with partial sunlight or shaded habitats. Thus, it thrives well under the canopy of larger trees or in areas with filtered light. Although it can tolerate some direct sunlight, it is best to avoid exposing it to too much direct light as it can cause foliage burn or stunting growth.
Temperature Requirements
The Melicope lohiauana plant prefers to grow in warmer climates, such as the tropical regions where it is native to. Optimum temperature conditions for growth fall between 60°F and 85°F (15°C and 29°C). It is essential to protect it from freezing temperatures as sustained cold can cause significant damage to the plant, even death.
Soil Requirements
The Melicope lohiauana plant seems to prefer well-drained soils with high organic matter content. It can be grown in a variety of soils, from sandy and loamy to clay soils. Soil pH should fall within the average range of 5.5 to 7.5. A regular fertilization regime throughout the growing season can be beneficial to promote healthy growth and flowering.
Cultivation Methods for Melicope Lohiauana
Melicope lohiauana is an evergreen tree that is best grown in tropical climates. To cultivate this plant, you should find an area with full sun to partial shade, where the plant can grow in well-draining soil. It is also important to grow this plant in an area that is sheltered from strong winds.
When planting, ensure that the plant is given plenty of space to grow and spread out its branches. The tree can grow up to 30 feet tall, so be sure to consider its size when planting.
Watering Needs for Melicope Lohiauana
This plant requires regular watering to thrive, especially during the growing season. You should aim to keep the soil consistently moist but avoid overwatering as this can cause root rot. The frequency of watering will depend on the climate and time of year, so be sure to monitor the soil moisture regularly and adjust your watering schedule accordingly.
Fertilization for Melicope Lohiauana
Fertilizing this plant is beneficial to its growth and overall health. It is recommended to apply a slow-release fertilizer in the spring and summer. Be careful not to over-fertilize, as this can lead to excessive foliage growth and reduced flower production.
If you notice that the plant is not growing as well as it should be, you can also apply a liquid fertilizer during the growing season to provide a boost of nutrients. Be sure to follow the instructions on the package for best results.
Pruning Melicope Lohiauana
Pruning is not required for the health of the plant, but it can be done to control the size and shape of the tree. You can remove any dead or damaged branches and shape the tree to your desired form.
It is best to prune Melicope lohiauana during the dormant season, which is typically in the winter months. Avoid pruning during the growing season, as this can cause stress to the tree and reduce its ability to produce flowers and fruit.
Propagation of Melicope lohiauana
Melicope lohiauana is a rare endemic plant species found only in Hawaii. Propagation of this plant is mostly through cuttings, air-layering, and seed propagation.
Cuttings
Propagation of Melicope lohiauana using cuttings is mostly done using semi-hardwood cuttings taken from the current year's growth. The cuttings are taken in the fall or winter months, and rooting agents such as rooting hormones are mostly used to enhance root development. The cuttings are then placed in a well-draining rooting medium and kept moist until roots develop, which may take about 4 to 6 weeks. Once the roots have developed, the plant is transplanted into a pot or the field.
Air Layering
Air layering is another propagation method that is quite effective for Melicope lohiauana. It involves making a small wound on a mature branch of the plant while it is still attached to the parent plant. The wound is then covered with moist sphagnum moss and wrapped with plastic to ensure it does not dry out. Roots emerge from the wounded area in around 2 to 4 months, and the layer can be cut from the parent plant to grow on its own.
Seed Propagation
Propagation through seeds is less common due to the rarity of the plant and the difficulty in obtaining seeds. However, if seeds are obtained, they can be sowed in a seed tray with a well-draining germination medium and kept moist. Germination may take several weeks or even months, and the seedlings should be monitored and maintained in suitable conditions before they are transplanted to the desired location.
Disease and Pest Management for Melicope lohiauana (B.C. Stone) T.G. Hartley & B.C. Stone
Melicope lohiauana is a rare plant species endemic to the Hawaiian Islands. Although it is a tough and durable plant, it is not completely immune to disease and pest issues. To maintain its health and vigor, proper disease and pest management is critical.
Common Diseases of Melicope Lohiauana
Melicope Lohiauana is susceptible to a few diseases including black spot fungus, powdery mildew, and leaf spot. Black spot is a fungal disease that causes the leaf to develop tiny black spots that eventually become bigger and merge together. Powdery mildew creates a white powdery coating on the leaves and stems. Leaf spot causes the plant’s leaves to develop brown and black spots or the leaves to discolor completely and fall off.
Disease Management for Melicope Lohiauana
The key to managing disease in Melicope Lohiauana is to maintain good plant hygiene. Keep the soil around the plant clean, and remove any fallen leaves from the plant. Avoid overhead watering and use a soaker hose to water the plant at its base. For the treatment of fungal issues, use a fungicide designed for Melicope Lohiauana.
Common Pests of Melicope Lohiauana
The most common insect pests of Melicope Lohiauana are spider mites, scale insects, and aphids. Spider mites are tiny sap-sucking pests that cause the leaves to turn yellow and become dry and brittle. Scale insects and aphids feed on the plant sap, causing deformities on leaves and may cause leaf drop in severe cases.
Pest Management for Melicope Lohiauana
To control pests on Melicope Lohiauana, use insecticides with a specific application for spider mites, scale bugs, and aphids. You can also try organic pest control methods such as insecticidal soap or neem oil. To reduce the incidence of spider mite infestations, maintain proper moisture levels and humidity around the plant.
With proper disease and pest management, Melicope Lohiauana can thrive and be a beautiful addition to any garden or landscape.
