General Description
Melicope zahlbruckneri (Rock) T.G. Hartley & B.C. Stone, commonly referred to as Kopiko ?o K?ne or K?ne's pelea, is a flowering plant that belongs to the Rutaceae or citrus family. It is a medium-sized tree that can grow up to 10 m tall and 15 cm in diameter with a rounded and symmetrical canopy. The leaves are bright green, glossy, and have an oval or elliptical shape that measures 5-14 cm long and 3-7 cm wide. The bark is light brown and has a rough texture, while the trunk and branches exude a fragrant and resinous sap when damaged. The flowers are small, fragrant, and white, and the fruit is a round or oval-shaped capsule that contains winged seeds.
Origin and Distribution
Melicope zahlbruckneri is a rare endemic species that is only found in the Hawaiian islands, particularly in the islands of Kauai, Molokai, Maui, and Hawaii. It is typically found in moist to wet forests, usually at elevations ranging from 350 to 1,000 meters above sea level.
Common Uses
In traditional Hawaiian medicine, various parts of the Melicope zahlbruckneri plant are used for their medicinal properties. The bark and leaves are used to treat a variety of illnesses such as fever, coughs, stomach aches, and headache. The seeds are sometimes roasted and eaten as a snack. The plant is also culturally significant to the Hawaiian people, who have used it in various religious and ceremonial practices.
Conservation Status
Melicope zahlbruckneri is classified as Critically Endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) due to habitat loss, deforestation, and the impact of invasive species. The plant is also threatened by climate change, which is affecting the distribution and abundance of its pollinators. Conservation efforts to protect the species include habitat restoration, propagation, and the removal of invasive species from its habitat.
Light Requirements
Melicope zahlbruckneri typically grows in areas where there is plenty of sunlight. This plant prefers direct sunlight for at least 6 hours each day. It can also tolerate partial shade where it only receives filtered sunlight or no more than four hours of direct sunlight daily.
Temperature Requirements
Melicope zahlbruckneri thrives in tropical regions with a warm climate such as Hawaii, where it is native. It does well in temperatures ranging from 60°F to 80°F. However, it can tolerate temperature ranges between 50°F to 90°F.
Soil Requirements
Well-draining soil is essential for the growth of Melicope zahlbruckneri. This plant does not do well in heavy soils with poor drainage. Instead, it requires moist, well-drained soils that are rich in organic matter. A pH range of 5.5 to 6.5 is ideal for healthy growth.
Cultivation Methods for Melicope zahlbruckneri (Rock) T.G. Hartley & B.C. Stone
Melicope zahlbruckneri grows well in a range of soils, but it prefers those that are well-drained and slightly acidic. Plant it in an area with ample sunlight exposure or light shade. This plant is found in dry forest, so it is relatively drought-tolerant once established.
Watering Needs for Melicope zahlbruckneri (Rock) T.G. Hartley & B.C. Stone
Water Melicope zahlbruckneri regularly during its establishment period, until it becomes a mature plant. After it has established, it requires weekly watering unless the soil is moist or rainy. In heavy rainfall situations, keep in mind that this plant prefers well-draining soil, and waterlogging may cause root rot.
Fertilization for Melicope zahlbruckneri (Rock) T.G. Hartley & B.C. Stone
Apply slow-release fertilizers during the beginning of the growing season to stimulate growth and feed the plant. In later seasons, feed the plant using an organic fertilizer, such as compost. Avoid over-fertilizing, which can alter the soil's pH to an unfavorable level.
Pruning for Melicope zahlbruckneri (Rock) T.G. Hartley & B.C. Stone
Prune Melicope zahlbruckneri during its dormancy period, which is around wintertime or early spring. Remove any diseased or damaged stems, and encourage the remaining branches' growth by cutting back to the branch's base. Because this plant is generally small in size, it may need pruning to prevent overgrowth.
Propagation of Melicope zahlbruckneri
Melicope zahlbruckneri can be propagated through various methods, including seeds, stem cuttings, and root cuttings. Each method requires specific conditions for successful propagation.
Propagation through seeds
The easiest and most common method of propagating Melicope zahlbruckneri is by seeds. The seeds should be collected from mature fruits and sown immediately in well-draining soil. The seeds should be covered lightly with the soil and kept under shade with regular watering. The emerging seedlings can be transplanted into individual pots once they have developed three or four leaves.
Propagation through stem cuttings
To propagate through stem cuttings, select healthy stems with at least two nodes. The cutting should be around 10 cm long, and the leaves should be removed from the bottom half of the cutting. The bottom of the cutting should be dipped in a rooting hormone powder and planted in a well-draining soil mix. The cutting should be kept under shade, with regular watering and misting till roots are formed. The newly rooted cutting can be transplanted in individual pots.
Propagation through root cuttings
This method is suitable for species with a strong root system like Melicope zahlbruckneri. To propagate through root cuttings, select healthy and mature roots. Cut the roots into 2-3 cm pieces with at least two nodes. Dip the cuts in a rooting hormone powder, and plant them in a well-draining soil mix. The cuttings should be kept under shade with regular watering till roots are formed.
Propagation of Melicope zahlbruckneri by any of these methods requires patience, careful attention, and the right growing conditions.
Disease Management for Melicope zahlbruckneri
The Melicope zahlbruckneri (Rock) T.G. Hartley & B.C. Stone plant is prone to certain diseases that can be detrimental to its growth and productivity. Here are the most common diseases that affect the plant:
- Canker disease: This disease causes the bark to crack, resulting in lesions forming on the stem. The best way to manage this disease is to prune the affected area and apply copper-based fungicides.
- Leaf spot disease: This disease causes yellowing of the leaves, which eventually fall off. To manage this disease, prune the affected part and use copper-based fungicides.
- Phytophthora root rot: This disease causes discoloration of the leaves, wilting, and eventual death of the plant. To manage this disease, plant the Melicope zahlbruckneri in well-draining soil, and avoid over-watering.
Pest Management for Melicope zahlbruckneri
Like any other plant, the Melicope zahlbruckneri is susceptible to pests that can cause significant damage to it. Here are some common pests that can affect this plant:
- Aphids: These pests love to feed on the sap of the leaves, which can cause yellowing and curling of the leaves. To manage this pest, use insecticidal soap or neem oil.
- Spider mites: These pests cause significant damage when they infest the plant, causing the leaves to turn brown and shrivel. To manage them, use insecticidal soap or neem oil.
- Scale insects: These pests cause yellowing and wilting of the plant. To manage the scale insects, scrape them off the plant using a fingernail or a soft brush, then follow with insecticidal soap.
