Origin:
Metrosideros polymorpha Gaud. var. macrophylla (Rock) St. John, commonly known as the Large-leaved ?hi?a or just ?hi?a, is a species of flowering tree native to the Hawaiian Islands. It can be found on all the main islands, except for Kaho?olawe and Ni?ihau.
Common Names:
The plant has several common names, including the Large-leaved ?hi?a, ?hi?a lehua, ??hi?a ha, ??hi?a ?ai, and ??hi?a lehua nui.
Uses:
Throughout Hawaii's history, the ?hi?a has been an essential plant for Hawaiian culture, providing wood for building, medicine, and a wide range of spiritual purposes. Additionally, its flowers, known as lehua, are used in traditional Hawaiian lei making. The ?hi?a is also a crucial component of the Hawaiian ecosystem, providing habitat for many native birds, insects, and other animals.
General Appearance:
The Large-leaved ?hi?a is a medium-sized evergreen tree, with a broad canopy of glossy, dark green leaves. The tree's bark is reddish-brown and has shallow fissures. The plant's flowers are long-lasting, with red, salmon, orange, or yellow blooms that appear in clusters at the tips of the branches. The ?hi?a produces woody capsules that contain tiny seeds that are dispersed by the wind. The tree can reach heights of up to 70 feet in favorable conditions.
Typical Growth Conditions of Metrosideros polymorpha Gaud. var. macrophylla (Rock) St. John
Metrosideros polymorpha Gaud. var. macrophylla (Rock) St. John, commonly known as ??hi?a lehua, is a tree species native to the Hawaiian Islands. It is a highly adaptable plant that can grow in a variety of conditions, but there are certain growth conditions that are considered optimal for its growth and survival.
Light
??hi?a lehua thrives in full sun to partial shade. In its natural habitat, it grows in a wide range of light conditions, from full sun on exposed ridges to partial shade in the understory of rainforests. In cultivation, it is best to provide the plant with bright, indirect light for optimal growth.
Temperature
Metrosideros polymorpha Gaud. var. macrophylla (Rock) St. John prefers warm to hot temperatures, with an average temperature range of 60-85°F. It can tolerate occasional frost but will not survive prolonged exposure to freezing temperatures. In cultivation, it is important to protect the plant from cold drafts or temperatures below 50°F.
Soil
The plant grows well in a variety of well-draining soils, with optimal soil pH ranging from 4.5 to 7.5. In its natural habitat, ??hi?a lehua grows in a range of soil types, from lava rock to deep, rich volcanic soils. In cultivation, it is important to provide the plant with a well-draining soil mix that is rich in organic matter.
Overall, Metrosideros polymorpha Gaud. var. macrophylla (Rock) St. John is a hardy and adaptable plant that can grow in a variety of conditions. However, providing the plant with optimal light, temperature, and soil conditions will ensure its optimum growth and vitality.
Cultivation of Metrosideros polymorpha Gaud. Var. macrophylla (Rock) St. John
Metrosideros polymorpha Gaud. var. macrophylla (Rock) St. John is a tropical evergreen plant. It requires moist and well-drained soil and likes full sun to partial shade. It can tolerate windy and salt air conditions. Propagation of this plant is done through seeds or stem cuttings.
Watering Needs
The watering needs of Metrosideros polymorpha Gaud. var. macrophylla (Rock) St. John depend upon the age of the plant and the location. Young plants need more frequent watering than mature ones. Watering the plant once a week during the dry season is ideal. However, make sure not to overwater the plant as it can lead to root rot.
Fertilization
Metrosideros polymorpha Gaud. var. macrophylla (Rock) St. John needs low to moderate amounts of fertilizer. Using a balanced fertilizer of a ratio of 10:10:10 or a slow-release fertilizer once every three months will help.
Pruning
Metrosideros polymorpha Gaud. var. macrophylla (Rock) St. John needs regular pruning to maintain its shape. Prune the plant during the dormant season or after flowering. You can cut the branches up to a third of their length and remove any dead or diseased branches. Regular pruning will give the plant a fuller and bushier look.
Propagation of Metrosideros polymorpha Gaud. var. macrophylla (Rock) St. John
Metrosideros polymorpha Gaud. var. macrophylla (Rock) St. John, commonly known as the large-leaved ‘?hi‘a, is a slow-growing tree endemic to Hawaii. It is a desirable ornamental plant known for its showy flowers and glossy green foliage. Propagation of this species can be done through various methods such as seed propagation, stem cuttings, and layering.
Seed propagation
Propagation through seeds is possible, but it is a slow method of propagation due to the slow germination of the seeds. The seeds of Metrosideros polymorpha Gaud. var. macrophylla (Rock) St. John can be found in the woody capsules that are produced after the flowers have bloomed. To propagate the plant through seeds, the capsules need to be collected from the tree when they are mature. The seeds are then soaked in water for 24-48 hours to soften their outer coating and speed up the germination process. After soaking, they can be either planted directly in soil or in a seedling tray with nutrient-rich soil mix. Germination can take up to several months before the seedlings start to emerge.
Stem cuttings
Stem cuttings are a common method of propagation for Metrosideros polymorpha Gaud. var. macrophylla (Rock) St. John. This method involves taking cuttings of young branches from mature trees. The cuttings should be 3-4 inches in length and should be taken in the early summer when the plant is in active growth. After taking the cuttings, dip the basal end of the cuttings in hormone rooting powder and then plant them in a well-drained potting mix. Keep the soil consistently moist and provide partial shade to the new plants. The cuttings should take root within 6-8 weeks and can be transplanted into larger pots or planted in the soil once they have become well established.
Layering
Layering is a natural propagation method for many plants, including Metrosideros polymorpha Gaud. var. macrophylla (Rock) St. John. This method involves bending a low-growing branch to the ground, making a nick in the bark, and covering the wound with moist soil. The branch should be secured to the soil with a wire or a stake. After several months, roots will begin to grow from the branch buried under the soil, and a new plant will form. After a few months, the newly formed plant can be cut away from the parent plant and transplanted into a pot or directly into the garden.
Disease and Pest Management for Metrosideros Polymorpha Gaud. Var. Macrophylla (Rock) St. John
Metrosideros polymorpha Gaud. var. macrophylla (Rock) St. John, commonly known as ?hi?a Lehua, is a species of flowering plant in the myrtle family, Myrtaceae. The tree is endemic to the Hawaiian Islands and can reach a height of 20 meters. It is a popular landscaping plant due to its beautiful flowers, drought tolerance, and ability to grow in varying soil types. However, like all plants, Metrosideros polymorpha is susceptible to pests and diseases, which can weaken or kill the tree if left untreated.
Common Diseases
Ceratocystis Wilt: Ceratocystis Wilt is a fungal disease that affects the vascular system of the tree. It is spread by the Ambrosia beetle and can be identified by wilting leaves, yellowing foliage, and browning of the bark. To manage this disease, the infected trees should be cut down, and the wood should be disposed of properly. Fungicides can also be used to prevent the spread of the disease to healthy trees.
Anthracnose: Anthracnose is a fungal disease that affects the leaves of the tree. It is identified by brown spots on the leaves, which can merge to form larger lesions. Anthracnose can be managed by removing infected leaves, pruning affected branches, and applying fungicides to the tree.
Common Pests
Leafhoppers: Leafhoppers are small, winged insects that feed on the leaves of the tree. They can be identified by the yellowing of leaves, curling, and the presence of sticky honeydew. To manage leafhoppers, insecticides can be used, and the tree can be sprayed with a jet of water to remove the insects.
Spider Mites: Spider Mites are tiny arachnids that feed on the leaves of the plant, causing yellowing and spotting. They can be managed by using insecticides to kill the mites and their eggs. To prevent spider mites, the tree should be kept well-watered, and the leaves should be periodically wiped with a damp cloth.
In conclusion, Metrosideros polymorpha Gaud. var. macrophylla (Rock) St. John is a beautiful and resilient tree that is prone to pests and diseases like any other plant. However, with proper care, including appropriate irrigation, regular fertilization, and prompt treatment of any pest or disease problems, the tree can thrive for many years.
