Plant Description:
Metrosideros polymorpha Gaud. var. hemilanata (Hochr.) St. John, commonly known as ?Ohi?a Lehua, is a small to medium-sized evergreen tree belonging to the myrtle family (Myrtaceae). It is native to Hawaii and can grow up to 20-80 feet tall. The tree has a dense, spreading crown with a trunk that can be up to two feet in diameter. The leaves are glossy, elliptic, and are about 3-6 inches long. The tree produces vibrant, showy, and nectar-rich flowers in shades of red, yellow, or orange during the flowering season.
Origin and Common Names:
The origin of Metrosideros polymorpha Gaud. var. hemilanata (Hochr.) St. John is the Hawaiian Islands, where it grows naturally in wet and dry forests at elevations ranging from sea level to about 7,000 feet. The tree is an important part of the native Hawaiian ecosystem, playing a crucial role in providing shelter, food, and habitat for numerous native birds and insects.
The tree is commonly known as ?Ohi?a Lehua in Hawaiian, which means "stand firm like the Lehua blossom." The tree has deep cultural significance in Hawaiian mythology and is considered a symbol of strength, endurance, and resilience.
Uses:
The ?Ohi?a Lehua tree has numerous uses in traditional Hawaiian culture. The flowers are used to make leis (garlands), and the wood is used for carving bowls, canoes, and other utensils. The bark of the tree is used to make a red dye, traditionally used to color kapa (barkcloth) and other fabrics. The tree is also used for medicinal purposes, treating stomach aches, fevers, and other ailments.
In modern times, the tree is planted as an ornamental tree, used in landscaping and beautification of public areas, parks, and private gardens. It is also used in reforestation projects to restore degraded areas and combat soil erosion.
Light Requirements
Metrosideros polymorpha Gaud. var. hemilanata (Hochr.) St. John thrives in full sunlight. It requires at least six hours of sunlight exposure for healthy growth and blooming. In areas with hot and dry climates, providing partial shade during the hottest part of the day can help prevent leaf scorching and increase overall health.
Temperature Requirements
This plant is native to Hawaii, where it grows in tropical and subtropical climates. Therefore, it requires warm temperatures to grow adequately. The ideal temperature range for Metrosideros polymorpha Gaud. var. hemilanata (Hochr.) St. John is between 65 to 85 °F (18 to 29°C). It can tolerate a minimum temperature of 45 °F (7°C) and a maximum temperature of 100 °F (38°C).
Soil Requirements
Metrosideros polymorpha Gaud. var. hemilanata (Hochr.) St. John prefers well-draining soils with a pH range of 4.5 to 7.5. It can grow in a wide range of soil types, including sandy, loamy, or clay soils. However, the soil must be nutrient-rich and provide adequate drainage to prevent waterlogging. Adding organic matter to the soil can help enhance fertility and increase water retention capacity.
Cultivation Methods for Metrosideros polymorpha Gaud. var. hemilanata (Hochr.) St. John
Metrosideros polymorpha Gaud. var. hemilanata (Hochr.) St. John, commonly known as the Hawaiian tree ohia, is a flowering plant native to Hawaii. It can grow up to 60 feet tall but is typically smaller when grown in gardens. It is a hardy plant and can tolerate various growing conditions.
The plant prefers full sun when grown in gardens and is best planted in well-draining soil. The soil should be slightly acidic with a pH range between 5.5 and 6.5. It is important to ensure adequate spacing when planting, as the plant can grow quite large.
Watering Needs for Metrosideros polymorpha Gaud. var. hemilanata (Hochr.) St. John
Metrosideros polymorpha Gaud. var. hemilanata (Hochr.) St. John requires regular watering, especially during the growing season. The plant should be watered deeply, allowing the water to penetrate the roots. However, it is important not to overwater the plant, as this can lead to root rot.
It is best to water the plant in the morning or evening when temperatures are cooler. This helps to reduce water loss through evaporation and ensures that the plant can absorb the water adequately.
Fertilization for Metrosideros polymorpha Gaud. var. hemilanata (Hochr.) St. John
Metrosideros polymorpha Gaud. var. hemilanata (Hochr.) St. John benefits from regular fertilization, which promotes healthy growth and flowering. It is best to use a fertilizer that is rich in phosphorus, as this nutrient promotes flower development.
Fertilizer should be applied during the growing season, typically between spring and fall. It is important not to over-fertilize the plant, as this can lead to excessive growth and poor flowering.
Pruning for Metrosideros polymorpha Gaud. var. hemilanata (Hochr.) St. John
Metrosideros polymorpha Gaud. var. hemilanata (Hochr.) St. John does not require much pruning. However, it is best to remove any dead or damaged branches to promote healthy growth. This can be done at any time of the year.
It is also possible to shape the plant by pruning it back to a desired size. This should be done in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. It is important to note that the plant may take several years to recover from heavy pruning, so it is best to be conservative when pruning.
Propagation of Metrosideros polymorpha Gaud. var. hemilanata (Hochr.) St. John
Metrosideros polymorpha Gaud. var. hemilanata (Hochr.) St. John, commonly known as the ‘?hi‘a lehua in Hawaiian, is a species of flowering tree in the myrtle family, Myrtaceae. This plant is native to Hawaii and is commonly found on the islands of Kauai, Oahu, Molokai, Maui, and Hawaii. It is a popular ornamental plant because of its striking red flowers and lush green foliage.
Propagation Methods
There are two primary propagation methods for Metrosideros polymorpha Gaud. var. hemilanata (Hochr.) St. John: seed propagation and vegetative propagation.
Seed Propagation
Seed propagation is a relatively simple and straightforward process. Collect mature ‘?hi‘a lehua seeds from the parent plant and plant them in a container filled with well-draining soil. Keep the soil moist and place the container in a warm, well-lit area. Germination should occur within a few weeks.
Vegetative Propagation
Vegetative propagation is the preferred method for propagating ‘?hi‘a lehua because it ensures that the new plants are genetically identical to the parent plant. There are several different techniques for vegetative propagation, including:
- Cutting propagation: Take a 6-8 inch cutting from the parent plant and remove the lower leaves. Dip the cut end of the cutting in rooting hormone, and plant it in a container filled with well-draining soil. Keep the soil moist and place the container in a warm, well-lit area. Rooting should occur within a few weeks.
- Air layering: Select a healthy, mature branch from the parent plant and make a small incision in the bark. Cover the incision with a layer of moist sphagnum moss and wrap it in plastic wrap. After a few months, roots should develop in the moss wrap. Cut the branch below the roots and plant the new plant in a container filled with well-draining soil.
- Divan grafting: Take a healthy, mature branch from the parent plant and remove a small section of bark. Collect a scion from the desired cultivar and make a matching incision in the scion. Place the scion in the cut area of the parent plant and wrap it in grafting tape. Keep the plant in a warm, well-lit area until it has healed and the two sections have fused together.
Whichever propagation method is chosen, it is important to be patient and give the new plant time to establish itself. With proper care, ‘?hi‘a lehua can grow into a beautiful, healthy tree that will provide years of enjoyment.
Disease Management
Metrosideros polymorpha Gaud. var. hemilanata is generally resistant to many diseases, but it can be affected by some fungal diseases. One of the most common is anthracnose, which can cause leaf spots, stem cankers, and dieback. To manage anthracnose, it is recommended to prune the infected stems, improve air circulation by spacing plants adequately, and avoid overhead watering. Fungicides may also be used to manage the disease, but they should be applied at the first sign of infection and according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Another common fungal disease that can affect Metrosideros polymorpha Gaud. var. hemilanata is rust. It can cause yellowing and dropping of leaves and can stunt the plant’s growth. To manage rust, it is recommended to remove all infected plant parts and destroy them. Fungicides can also be applied to prevent the spread of the disease.
Pest Management
Metrosideros polymorpha Gaud. var. hemilanata is generally resistant to pests, but it can be affected by some insects. The most common pests that can affect the plant are spider mites and scale insects. Spider mites can cause yellowing and curling of leaves and the formation of webbing. To manage spider mites, it is recommended to spray the plant with water to remove them and their webbing. Insecticidal soap or neem oil can also be used to manage the pest, but they should be applied according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Scale insects can be a problem for Metrosideros polymorpha Gaud. var. hemilanata as well. These insects can cause yellowing of leaves, and they can also produce honeydew, which can attract ants and other pests. To manage scale insects, it is recommended to prune and discard all infected plant parts. Insecticidal soap or neem oil can also be used to manage the pest, but they should be applied according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
