Overview of Melicope ovalis
Melicope ovalis, also known as the St. John's lani, is a small tree or shrub that belongs to the Rutaceae family. It is native to Hawaii, specifically on the islands of Oahu, Kauai, Maui, and Molokai. This plant is known for its pleasing scent and various medicinal properties. Its leaves and bark are used to cure a variety of health ailments.
Appearance of Melicope ovalis
Melicope ovalis grows up to 15 feet tall, but usually grows to be about 12 feet tall and 8 feet wide. Its bark is gray-brown, and its leaves have a glossy green color and oval shape. Flowers formed on the tree are white and fragrant. The fruit they produce is yellow and is about 0.5 inches in diameter. They ripen between July and September.
Common Names of Melicope ovalis
St. John's lani is a common name for Melicope ovalis, but it is also known by other names such as Maua, Hawaiian Cat's-tongue, and Alani.
Uses of Melicope ovalis
Melicope ovalis has a wide range of medicinal uses. The plant is used as a natural remedy for digestive problems, colds, headaches, and asthma. The leaves are also used to treat topical wounds, skin irritations, and dandruff. The bark is also stripped and used for inhaling in order to remedy chronic bronchitis and tuberculosis. The fruit, although not as commonly used, is said to have antifungal properties. The plant is also used in traditional Hawaiian rituals, and in the past, it was used for making dyes.
Additionally, this plant has horticultural uses and is occasionally used ornamentally in landscaping. It is also a popular plant for planting along borders to act as a natural fence and as a backdrop for other plants.
Growth Conditions of Melicope Ovalis (St. John) T.G. Hartley & B.C. Stone
Melicope ovalis, also known as St. John's wood, is an evergreen shrub or small tree that belongs to the Rutaceae family. This plant species is native to Hawaii and grows in various types of forests and shrublands.
Light Requirements
Melicope ovalis prefers partial shade to full sun exposure for optimal growth. The plant can tolerate direct sunlight, especially during the morning hours, but excessive exposure to sunlight may damage its leaves. In contrast, too much shade can slow down the plant's growth rate and cause it to be leggy and spindly.
Temperature Requirements
This plant species thrives in a warm, humid climate and can tolerate temperatures ranging from 60°F to 85°F. Temperatures below 50°F can be detrimental to Melicope ovalis' growth and may cause leaf discoloration, wilting, and even death.
Soil Requirements
Melicope ovalis prefers well-drained, moderately fertile soils, such as volcanic soils, that are rich in organic matter. The pH of the soil should range from slightly acidic to neutral, between 5.5 and 7.0. The plant is tolerant of occasional droughts but does not grow well in waterlogged or poorly drained soils.
Overall, providing the right light, temperature, and soil conditions are essential for Melicope ovalis to grow and flourish into a healthy plant.
Cultivation Methods
Melicope ovalis (St. John) T.G. Hartley & B.C. Stone, commonly known as Alani, is a shrub that is native to Hawaii. The plant prefers warm temperatures, and it thrives in full sunlight or partial shade. The soil should be well-draining with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.5. It is best to plant Melicope ovalis either in the fall or early spring.
Watering Needs
When it comes to watering this plant, it is essential to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. It is best to water Melicope ovalis once or twice a week, depending on the climate. During the summer months, it may require more frequent watering due to the hot weather. It is advisable to water the plant in the early morning or late afternoon to prevent water loss through evaporation.
Fertilization
During the growing season, it is essential to fertilize the plant regularly to promote healthy growth. The best fertilizer to use for this plant is a balanced 10-10-10 fertilizer. It is advisable to fertilize Melicope ovalis every six weeks from the spring until late summer.
Pruning
Pruning is an important aspect of caring for the Melicope ovalis plant. Pruning should be done in the early spring before new growth starts. It is advisable to remove any dead or damaged branches. It is also important to prune the plant to maintain its desired shape and size. When pruning, it is essential to use clean, sharp tools to prevent damage to the plant. Pruning stimulates new growth, which helps to keep the plant healthy and promotes flowering.
Propagation of Melicope Ovalis Plants
Melicope ovalis, commonly known as St. John's wort, is a low-growing shrub that is native to Australia and New Zealand. If you wish to propagate this plant, there are several methods to choose from. Here are the most common:
Seed Propagation
The easiest way to propagate Melicope ovalis is through seeds. The seeds can be sourced from a mature plant in your garden or obtained from a reputable nursery. Here are the steps to follow:
- Collect mature seeds from the plant and clean them. Be sure to remove any chaff or debris.
- Fill the seed tray with a well-draining potting mix.
- Sow the seeds on the soil surface and cover lightly with a thin layer of soil.
- Water the seeds gently using a fine mist sprayer.
- Place the seed tray in a warm, bright location, such as a windowsill or heated seed tray.
- The seedlings should emerge in approximately 2-3 weeks, and can be transplanted when they are around 5cm tall.
Cuttings Propagation
Cuttings propagation is another common propagation method which can yield quicker results than seed propagation.
- Cut a stem around 10-15cm long from a healthy plant.
- Strip away any leaves from the bottom two-thirds of the cutting.
- Dip the cut end in rooting hormone powder.
- Insert the cutting into a pot filled with a well-draining potting mix.
- Water the cutting and apply a plastic bag over it to create a microclimate.
- Place the pot in a warm, bright location away from direct sun.
- After around 4-6 weeks roots should start to grow, and the cutting can be transferred to a larger pot.
By following these simple propagation methods, you can easily increase your stock of Melicope ovalis plants and enjoy their beautiful flowers and foliage.
Disease Management for Melicope Ovalis
Melicope ovalis, commonly known as St. John's Woody Pear, is a plant that can be affected by various diseases. Some of the common diseases that can affect Melicope ovalis include:
- Anthracnose - this is a fungal disease that can cause large, irregularly shaped spots on the leaves of the plant. Infected leaves may turn yellow and fall off prematurely. Fruits may also be affected, with spots forming on them.
- Powdery Mildew - this is a fungal disease that appears as a white or gray powdery coating on the leaves, stems, and flowers of the plant. The affected leaves may turn yellow and fall off. Severe cases can weaken the plant.
To manage these diseases, it is important to keep the plant healthy by providing proper care. This includes watering the plant regularly, providing adequate sunlight, and ensuring proper drainage. In case of severe infection, it may be necessary to use fungicides. Fungicides like copper-based fungicides can be used to manage anthracnose while systemic fungicides can be used for powdery mildew.
Pest Management for Melicope Ovalis
Melicope ovalis can also be affected by various pests. Some of the common pests that can affect the plant include:
- Aphids - these are small insects that can cause the leaves of the plant to curl and become distorted. They suck the sap from the plant, weakening it.
- Scale insects - these insects attach themselves to the stems and leaves of the plant and can weaken the plant by sucking its sap.
- Mealybugs - these insects can be recognized by the white cotton-like waxy substance that covers their bodies. They can cause distortion of the leaves and weakening of the plant.
To manage these pests, regular inspection of the plant is necessary. In case of an infestation, it may be necessary to use insecticides. Insecticidal soap and neem oil can be used to manage aphids and scale insects. Neem oil can also be used to manage mealybugs.
It is important to use chemical control methods only when necessary and to follow instructions on the label of the product carefully.
