Origin
Metrosideros polymorpha Gaud. ssp. micrantha Skottsberg, commonly referred to as '?hi'a lehua, is a species of flowering plant in the Myrtaceae family. The plant is endemic to the Hawaiian Islands, where it is found on all of the main islands.
Common Names
?hi'a lehua is the most common name for Metrosideros polymorpha Gaud. ssp. micrantha Skottsberg and it is widely used in the Hawaiian culture. Other common names for this species include '?hi'a, '?hi'a ha, and Lehua.
Uses
?hi'a lehua has various uses, both medicinal and cultural. The plant has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties and has been traditionally used as a treatment for coughs, fever, and sore throats. The flowers and leaves of this plant are also used in hula, an important cultural dance in Hawaii. ?hi'a lehua is also highly valued for its wood, which is used for carvings and other decorative purposes.
General Appearance
?hi'a lehua is a prominent plant in the Hawaiian Islands, growing up to 80 feet tall and 3 feet in diameter. The leaves are glossy and medium green in color, oval-shaped, and measure up to 8 inches in length. The plant produces showy flowers that range in color from bright red to yellow, with a distinctive shape resembling a bottle brush. The flowers are grouped in clusters and grow at the end of branches. The bark of the ?hi'a lehua is a smooth gray color, but as the tree ages, the bark turns into grayish-red or reddish-brown, which reflects its nickname "volcano sakura."
Light Requirements
Metrosideros polymorpha Gaud. ssp. micrantha Skottsberg requires full sunlight exposure for proper growth and development. It can also tolerate partial shade, but the plant will not flower as abundantly as it would in full sunlight. The plant grows naturally in the Hawaiian rainforest, where it thrives under direct sunlight.
Temperature Requirements
The plant prefers warm to hot temperatures and is capable of withstanding high levels of heat. It grows best in temperatures ranging from 60 to 85°F (15 to 29°C) but can withstand temperatures as low as 32°F (0°C). Metrosideros polymorpha is adapted to a range of climatic conditions from sea level to altitudes exceeding 8,000 ft.
Soil Requirements
Metrosideros polymorpha Gaud. ssp. micrantha Skottsberg thrives in well-draining soils that have a high organic matter content. It prefers slightly acidic to neutral pH levels ranging from 5.5 to 7.5. The plant can grow in a range of soils, including clay soils, sandy loam soils, and even volcanic soils. However, the plant prefers volcanic soils as they are rich in minerals and nutrients.
Cultivation of Metrosideros polymorpha Gaud. ssp. micrantha Skottsberg
Before starting cultivation, it is essential to note that Metrosideros polymorpha Gaud. ssp. micrantha Skottsberg, also known as ??hi?a lehua, is native to Hawaii and requires a warm and humid environment. Therefore, it is best to grow it in a greenhouse or conservatory if you live in a colder region.
While Metrosideros polymorpha Gaud. ssp. micrantha Skottsberg prefers well-draining, acidic soil, it can adapt to different soil types. To create the ideal environment, mix organic matter, like peat moss or compost, into the soil before planting.
Metrosideros polymorpha Gaud. ssp. micrantha Skottsberg requires plenty of sunlight to thrive. Therefore, it is best to plant it in full sun or partial shade.
Watering Needs of Metrosideros polymorpha Gaud. ssp. micrantha Skottsberg
Metrosideros polymorpha Gaud. ssp. micrantha Skottsberg requires regular watering, especially during its initial growth stages. However, avoid overwatering as it can lead to root rot and other diseases. It is best to water the plant when the top inch of soil is dry.
If you live in a cold region, reduce watering in winter as the plant goes dormant during this period.
Fertilization of Metrosideros polymorpha Gaud. ssp. micrantha Skottsberg
Metrosideros polymorpha Gaud. ssp. micrantha Skottsberg requires fertilization during the growing season, from spring to mid-summer. Use a balanced fertilizer with equal proportions of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Fertilize the plant every four to six weeks to provide it with sufficient nutrients.
Avoid applying fertilizer during winter as the plant does not require extra nutrients while dormant.
Pruning Metrosideros polymorpha Gaud. ssp. micrantha Skottsberg
Metrosideros polymorpha Gaud. ssp. micrantha Skottsberg does not require regular pruning. However, remove any dead or damaged branches as soon as possible to prevent the spread of disease. Prune the plant to maintain its shape or size during early spring before the beginning of the growing season.
Avoid pruning the plant during winter as it can cause stress and damage to the plant.
Propagation of Metrosideros polymorpha Gaud. ssp. micrantha Skottsberg
Metrosideros polymorpha Gaud. ssp. micrantha Skottsberg, commonly known as ??hi?a lehua, is propagated through various methods.
Seed Propagation
Propagation through seeds is possible, but it is a time-consuming process. The seeds must be sown in a well-drained soil mixture. The trays must be kept moist, and they should be kept in partial shade. The seedlings should be kept in the trays for around six months before they can be transplanted into individual pots or into the ground.
Cutting Propagation
The most common propagation method of Metrosideros polymorpha Gaud. ssp. micrantha Skottsberg is through cuttings. These can be softwood or hardwood cuttings, but the former is more preferred. Softwood cuttings must be taken from lateral shoots with no flowers. The leaves must be removed from the lower half of the cutting, and it must be dipped in a rooting hormone before being planted in a well-draining soil mixture. Once planted, the cutting must be kept in partial shade and misted frequently until roots form. Hardwood cuttings, on the other hand, should be taken from mature wood and planted in moist soil. It takes longer for these cuttings to form roots, so patience is required.
Division Propagation
Propagation through division is also possible for larger plants. The plant must be dug up, and the roots must be divided carefully. Each division must have several shoots and roots. The divisions can be planted in pots or directly in the ground.
Propagation through any of these methods can ensure that the unique and beautiful Metrosideros polymorpha Gaud. ssp. micrantha Skottsberg grows in abundance.
Disease and Pest Management for Metrosideros polymorpha Gaud. ssp. micrantha Skottsberg
Metrosideros polymorpha Gaud. ssp. micrantha Skottsberg, commonly known as the dwarf ohia tree, is a member of the myrtle family. It is a small tree that is native to Hawaii and is often used as an ornamental plant. While the dwarf ohia tree is considered to be relatively hardy, it is still susceptible to various pests and diseases that can cause significant damage if not managed effectively.
Common Pests
Some of the common pests that can affect the dwarf ohia tree include the following:
- Scale insects: These pests are known to feed on the sap of plant leaves and stems, causing yellowing and wilting.
- Mealybugs: These pests are often found in clusters and can cause stunted plant growth and yellowing of leaves.
- Aphids: Like mealybugs, aphids feed on plant sap and can cause yellowing of leaves and stunted growth.
To manage these pests, the following practices can be employed:
- Mechanical control: This involves manually removing the insects and dropping them into a bucket of soapy water.
- Biological control: This involves introducing natural predators of the pests, such as ladybugs or lacewings, into the environment, which will help to control the populations of the pests.
- Chemical control: This involves the use of insecticides to control the pests. However, it is essential to ensure that the insecticide is safe to use on the plant and does not harm beneficial insects.
Common Diseases
The following are some of the common diseases that can affect the dwarf ohia tree:
- Fungal leaf spot: This is a fungal disease that causes yellow or brown spots on the leaves of the plant. If left untreated, it can cause significant damage to the plant and even death.
- Root rot: This is a disease caused by a fungus that attacks the roots of the plant. It can cause the plant to wilt and eventually die if not treated.
- Bacterial wilt: This is a disease caused by bacteria that enter the plant through wounds or insects. It can cause the leaves of the plant to turn yellow and can eventually kill the entire plant.
To manage these diseases, the following practices can be employed:
- Good hygiene: Practice good hygiene by removing dead or infected plant material and keeping the area around the plant free of debris.
- Fungicides: Fungicides can be used to treat fungal diseases but should be used with caution, following the instructions provided by the manufacturer.
- Proper watering: Overwatering can lead to root rot, so it is important to ensure that the plant is not sitting in water and that the soil is well-draining.
By following these practices, the dwarf ohia tree can be adequately protected from pests and diseases, ensuring that it thrives and remains healthy.
