Origin
Metrosideros polymorpha Gaud. ssp. imbricata (Rock) Skottsberg, also known as the ?hia lehua tree, is indigenous to Hawaii and can be found in mesic and wet forests on all the Hawaiian islands except for Ni'ihau and Kaho'olawe.
Common Names
The ?hia lehua tree has several common names including ?hia, lehua, ?hia tree, and ??hi?a lehua. The name "Lehua" refers to its bright red or pink flowers, which are used for making leis.
Uses
The ?hia lehua tree has cultural, ecological, and economic significance in Hawaii. The tree is considered sacred and is an important part of Hawaiian folklore and mythology. The bright red or pink flowers are used in traditional Hawaiian lei-making, as well as for medicinal purposes. The ?hia lehua tree is also important ecologically, providing habitat for many native birds and insects. Economically, the tree is used for its wood, which is used in furniture making and carving.
General Appearance
The ?hia lehua tree is a small to medium-sized evergreen tree, reaching heights of 20-40 feet. The leaves are leathery, elliptical, and are arranged opposite each other on the stem. The tree produces cylindrical flower spikes that can be up to 6 inches long and contain dozens of small flowers. The flowers are bright red or pink and can appear year-round, but are most abundant in the spring and summer months.
Light requirements
Metrosideros polymorpha Gaud. ssp. imbricata grows well under full sunlight or partial shade conditions. In the wild, these plants are commonly found in coastal regions, where they receive abundant sunlight.
Temperature requirements
This plant species prefers a humid tropical or subtropical climate, with temperatures ranging between 60°F to 80°F (15.5°C to 26.6°C). They are highly adaptable and can survive in temperatures as low as 40°F (4.4°C) and as high as 100°F (37.7°C).
Soil requirements
The ideal soil for Metrosideros polymorpha Gaud. ssp. imbricata is well-drained and rich in nutrients. It thrives in both acidic and mildly alkaline soils with a pH between 5.5 to 7.5. However, this plant can grow in a wide range of soil types, including sandy, loamy, and clayey soils.
Watering requirements
These plants require moderate watering. Overwatering or waterlogging can lead to root rot, which could be detrimental to the plant's health. In dry conditions, it is advisable to water the plant at regular intervals to keep the soil moist.
Cultivation Methods for Metrosideros polymorpha Gaud. ssp. imbricata (Rock) Skottsberg
Metrosideros polymorpha Gaud. ssp. imbricata (Rock) Skottsberg, commonly known as ??hi?a lehua, is a species of evergreen tree in the myrtle family, Myrtaceae, that is indigenous to Hawaii. It is a slow-growing plant that thrives in full sunlight and well-drained soil.
If you plan to cultivate this plant, it is essential to provide it with proper conditions such as:
- Planting in well-drained soil
- Providing it with full sunlight
- Protecting it from strong winds and salt spray
Watering Needs for Metrosideros polymorpha Gaud. ssp. imbricata (Rock) Skottsberg
Watering frequency for ??hi?a lehua depends on several factors, including weather, soil type, and size of the plant. Typically, newly planted ??hi?a lehua should be watered frequently to establish deep roots. Once established, the plant can tolerate some drought conditions, but it is still a good idea to water it regularly.
It is important to provide the plant with well-drained soil, as too much water can lead to root rot.
Fertilization for Metrosideros polymorpha Gaud. ssp. imbricata (Rock) Skottsberg
??hi?a lehua does not require excessive amounts of fertilizers. Adding small amounts of slow-release fertilizers with an N-P-K ratio of 10-10-10 or 12-12-12 during the growing season can encourage healthy growth.
Additionally, you may use a compost mix to improve soil fertility.
Pruning of Metrosideros polymorpha Gaud. ssp. imbricata (Rock) Skottsberg
Pruning of ??hi?a lehua is recommended to keep the tree healthy, reduce the risk of disease, and maintain its shape. Pruning can be done in late winter or early spring before new growth occurs.
The following pruning tips can help you in taking good care of your plant:
- Remove any damaged or diseased branches with sterilized tools.
- Trim any crossing branches to improve airflow within the tree.
- Trim the branches to maintain the shape of the tree.
Propagation of Metrosideros polymorpha Gaud. ssp. imbricata (Rock) Skottsberg
Metrosideros polymorpha Gaud. ssp. imbricata (Rock) Skottsberg is commonly known as the ??hi?a lehua, a flowering evergreen tree species native to Hawaii. The tree is widely cultivated as an ornamental plant due to its showy flowers, which range in color from bright red to yellow.
Propagation by Seeds
Propagation of Metrosideros polymorpha Gaud. ssp. imbricata is commonly done through seeds, which can be collected from mature fruit cones. The fruit cones ripen between November and January, and the seeds can be extracted by drying the cones and breaking them open. The seeds are relatively small, black, and glossy and can be stored for several years in a cool and dry place.
Before sowing, the seeds must be scarified to break the hard seed coat and enhance germination rates. Several methods can be used to scarify the seeds, including mechanical scarification, heat scarification, and chemical scarification. Once scarified, the seeds can be sown directly into the soil or seed trays containing well-draining potting mix. It is advisable to water the seeds lightly after sowing and keep the soil moist throughout the germination period.
Propagation by Cuttings
Another method of propagating Metrosideros polymorpha Gaud. ssp. imbricata is through cuttings. Hardwood cuttings collected during the dormant season between late fall and early spring have been shown to have high success rates. Cuttings are selected from healthy and disease-free parent plants and should be 6-10 inches long and approximately 1/4 inch in diameter. The cuttings should be treated with rooting hormone before planting to encourage root growth.
The cuttings can be planted directly into the soil or into pots containing well-draining potting mix. It is recommended to keep the soil moist and provide a humid environment by covering the pots with plastic bags or clear plastic cups. After root growth has been established, the cuttings can be transplanted into their permanent location.
Disease and Pest Management for Metrosideros Polymorpha Gaud. ssp. Imbricata (Rock) Skottsberg
Metrosideros Polymorpha Gaud. ssp. Imbricata, also known as ‘?hi‘a Lehua, is a beautiful and endemic Hawaiian tree species that can grow up to 100 feet tall. It is highly valued for its hard wood, as well as for its ecological importance in providing habitat for endemic birds and insects.
Common Diseases
One of the most common diseases that can affect ?hi‘a Lehua is Ceratocystis Wilt, also known as Rapid ‘?hi‘a Death (ROD). This disease is caused by a fungus that infects the tree's vascular system, preventing it from accessing water and nutrients. The first sign of the disease is wilting of the branches and leaves, which can progress to death in a matter of days. There is no known cure for ROD, so prevention is key. To prevent the spread of the disease, avoid moving soil and plant material from affected areas, and sterilize pruning tools before and after use.
Anothe common disease that ?hi‘a Lehua is susceptible to is Ohia Rust, caused by the fungus Puccinia psidii. Infected leaves show reddish-brown rust spots on the undersides of leaves and eventual leaf drop. During the year, Ohia Rust can cause massive defoliation. If caught early, it can be treated with a copper-based fungicide.
Common Pests
The most common pests that affect ?hi‘a Lehua trees are scale insects. Scales are tiny insects that attach themselves to the trunk, branches, and leaves of the tree, feeding on its sap. They can cause yellowing and deformation of leaves or wilting and eventual death of branches. Scale populations can be controlled with specialized horticultural oils and insecticides.
Another pest that affects ?hi‘a Lehua trees is the tea scale insect. The adult females are the ones that do damage to the tree by feeding on sap from the leaves, branches, and young stems. They can cause wilting of the leaves, and over time if left untreated, could lead to branch or tree death. Horticultural oils and insecticides are also effective treatment for tea scales.
Conclusion
Preventing the spread of diseases and controlling pest populations is critical in promoting the health and longevity of ?hi‘a Lehua trees. As a plant owner, it is important to regularly check the tree for signs of disease or pests, and take prompt action to prevent further damage. Correctly identifying the disease or pest is crucial in determining the most effective course of action. In severe cases, it is recommended to seek professional advice and assistance.
