Overview of Metrosideros polymorpha Gaud. var. micrantha (Skottsberg) St. John
Metrosideros polymorpha Gaud. var. micrantha (Skottsberg) St. John is a native Hawaiian plant that belongs to the family Myrtaceae. Commonly referred to as ??hi?a Lehua, the plant is well-known for its elegant flowers and its significance in Hawaiian culture. The plant is an evergreen tree that typically reaches a height of 20-30 feet, and occasionally as tall as 100 feet in favorable environmental conditions.
Appearance of Metrosideros polymorpha Gaud. var. micrantha (Skottsberg) St. John
The leaves of Metrosideros polymorpha Gaud. var. micrantha are are lanceolate, glossy, and dark green in color. The flowers are bright red in color and usually appear in clusters at the end of the branches. The individual flowers are small, about 1 to 1.5 inches in length, with long stamens protruding from the end.
Origin and Distribution of Metrosideros polymorpha Gaud. var. micrantha (Skottsberg) St. John
Metrosideros polymorpha Gaud. var. micrantha is endemic to Hawaii, where it is found at elevations ranging from sea level to about 4,000 feet. The plant is found on all of the main islands of Hawaii, as well as some of the smaller surrounding islands.
Uses of Metrosideros polymorpha Gaud. var. micrantha (Skottsberg) St. John
The wood of Metrosideros polymorpha Gaud. var. micrantha is hard and dense, making it useful in woodworking, particularly for making furniture, bowls, and other decorative objects. The plant is also used in traditional Hawaiian medicine for its antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, and pain-relieving properties. In Hawaiian culture, the flowers of the plant are used in lei making, and the plant as a whole is highly regarded as a symbol of strength, resilience, and endurance.
Light Requirements
Metrosideros polymorpha Gaud. var. micrantha requires full sunlight for optimal growth. It can tolerate some shade but will not thrive and may become leggy and spindly if grown in too much shade. However, it is important to note that it grows naturally in a variety of light conditions, from full sun to partial shade, so it can adapt to different light levels to some extent.
Temperature Requirements
This plant is native to Hawaii and is well suited to warm, tropical climates. It can tolerate temperatures down to about 50°F (10°C), but it prefers temperatures between 70°F-80°F (21°C-27°C). In cooler climates, it may be grown indoors or in a greenhouse.
Soil Requirements
Metrosideros polymorpha Gaud. var. micrantha grows best in well-draining, slightly acidic soils with a pH between 5.5-6.5. The soil should be rich in organic matter and nutrients, with good water retention capacity. It can tolerate soils that are nutrient-poor or have low fertility, but it will grow best in soils that are amended with compost or other organic matter.
Cultivation Methods
Metrosideros polymorpha Gaud. var. micrantha, commonly known as the dwarf ??hi?a lehua, is a medium-sized shrub native to Hawaii. This plant is highly adaptable to different environmental conditions but grows best in full sunlight and well-draining, nutrient-rich soil. If you plan to cultivate this plant, start by selecting a suitable planting location that meets these requirements.
Propagation is by seeds or stem cuttings, which need to be treated with rooting hormones to enhance rooting. The ideal time for planting is during the rainy season or early spring to ensure that the plant establishes well before the dry season.
Watering Needs
Metrosideros polymorpha Gaud. var. micrantha requires regular watering, especially during the first year of planting to support establishment. Watering frequency should be reduced during dry periods, and avoid waterlogging the plant's roots. Generally, this plant thrives in moist soil conditions.
Fertilization
For optimal growth and flowering, fertilize your plant with a slow-release fertilizer that is rich in nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Fertilization should be done during the growing season, which is typically between March and August.
It's crucial to use the recommended dosage to prevent fertilizer burn, which may damage the plant's roots and leaves. Before applying fertilizer, water the plant to moisten the soil and activate the fertilizer's nutrients.
Pruning
Metrosideros polymorpha Gaud. var. micrantha requires minimal pruning except for removing diseased or damaged branches. However, regular pinching of the tips will help to promote bushy growth and produce more flowers.
The best time for pruning is during the dormant season, which is typically between November and February. Avoid pruning during the growing season as this may hinder the plant's growth and flowering.
Propagation methods for Metrosideros polymorpha Gaud. var. micrantha (Skottsberg) St. John
Metrosideros polymorpha Gaud. var. micrantha (Skottsberg) St. John, also known as the "Hawaiian Christmas berry," can be propagated through various methods. Some of these methods include:
Seed propagation
One of the most common methods of propagating Metrosideros polymorpha Gaud. var. micrantha is through seed propagation. Seeds can be collected from mature fruits and sown in well-draining soil. The seeds require regular watering and a warm environment to germinate. Once the seedlings have grown to a sufficient size, they can be transplanted to a larger container or planted directly in the ground.
Cuttings
Another way to propagate Metrosideros polymorpha Gaud. var. micrantha is through cuttings. Stem cuttings can be taken from a mature plant and placed in a rooting hormone. These cuttings should be placed in a well-draining soil mix and kept in a warm, humid environment. Once the cuttings have developed roots, they can be transplanted to a larger container or planted directly in the ground.
Air-layering
Air-layering is another propagation method, which involves creating a small wound on a branch and then wrapping it in a rooting hormone and moist sphagnum moss. This encourages the branch to develop new roots, which can then be cut from the parent plant and transplanted. This method can be useful when working with a plant that is difficult to propagate through other methods.
Division
Lastly, division can be used as a method of propagating Metrosideros polymorpha Gaud. var. micrantha. This involves carefully dividing the parent plant's rootball and transplanting the separate sections into new containers or directly into the ground. This method can be useful when working with mature plants that have outgrown their containers or planting areas.
Disease Management
Metrosideros polymorpha Gaud. var. micrantha is inherently resistant to most diseases. However, it may be prone to fungal infection under certain unfavorable conditions.
One common disease that can affect the plant is the fungal infection called anthracnose. Anthracnose can cause leaf spots, defoliation, and twig dieback. To manage anthracnose, infected plant parts must be removed and burned, and fungicides can be applied to prevent further spread.
Brown spot is another fungal disease that can infect Metrosideros polymorpha Gaud. var. micrantha. It can also cause leaf spots and defoliation. To manage brown spot, fungicides may be applied, and water management techniques must be improved to minimize excess moisture, which can facilitate the spread of the fungi.
Pest Management
Although Metrosideros polymorpha Gaud. var. micrantha is resistant to most pests, some insects can still cause damage to the plant.
The most common pests of Metrosideros polymorpha Gaud. var. micrantha are scale insects, which can cause leaf yellowing, stunted growth, and leaf drop. To manage scale insects, they can be removed by hand and insecticides can be applied to prevent further infestation.
The tea mosquito, a type of small flying insect, can also cause damage to the leaves of Metrosideros polymorpha Gaud. var. micrantha. An infestation can cause curling and discoloration of leaves. To manage an infestation of tea mosquitoes, insecticides may be applied.
