Origin
Metrosideros polymorpha Gaud. var. newellii (Rock) St. John, commonly known as the Newell's tree, is a subspecies of Metrosideros polymorpha and is native to Hawai'i.
Common Names
Aside from Newell's tree, Metrosideros polymorpha Gaud. var. newellii is also called 'ohi'a lehua, Lehua, and Lehua 'ula.
Uses
The Newell's tree is renowned for its vibrant, red flowers that bloom year-round. In Hawaiian culture, it is symbolic of love and is commonly used in leis and as offerings to the goddess of fire, Pele. The tree also has traditional medicinal uses, such as using the leaves to treat cuts and bruises and the bark for fever reduction.
General Appearance
Metrosideros polymorpha Gaud. var. newellii is a tall evergreen tree, reaching up to 75 feet in height. It has a rounded canopy and a trunk with a diameter of up to 6 feet. The leaves are oval-shaped, glossy, and dark green. The tree's most striking feature is its long-lasting, bright red flowers, which are tubular and grow in clusters at the ends of branches. The flowers mature into woody pods, which contain numerous small seeds.
Light Requirements
Metrosideros polymorpha var. newellii typically prefers full sunlight to partial shade. These plants can grow in exposed, open areas such as cliffs or ridges or in a sheltered location like a forest edge or a valley with filtered light. Young plants require less direct sunlight to prevent foliar desiccation.
Temperature Requirements
Growth in Metrosideros polymorpha var. newellii is optimal in a warm and moist environment. These plants can tolerate a range of temperatures, but extremes can damage the plant. Seedlings are sensitive to cold and frost and can be damaged when exposed to temperatures below 23 °F (-5 °C). Adults can withstand occasional droughts and tolerate temperatures of up to 95 °F (35 °C). The ideal temperature for the growth of Metrosideros polymorpha var. newellii would be around 68-77 °F (20-25 °C).
Soil Requirements
Metrosideros polymorpha var. newellii prefers acidic, well-drained soil with a pH range from 4.0 to 6.5. These plants can also grow in soil with high organic matter such as decomposing woody debris. In addition, Metrosideros polymorpha var. newellii has adaptations that enable it to grow on shallow, rocky soils with low nutrient content. However, the plant is not tolerant of standing water or poorly drained soils as it may lead to root rot, which can be detrimental to the growth and survival of the plant.
Cultivation Methods
Metrosideros polymorpha Gaud. var. newellii (Rock) St. John, commonly known as ‘?hi‘a Lehua, is a plant species native to Hawaii. It can be grown both indoors and outdoors, depending on the climate and temperature. The best place to cultivate this plant is in well-drained, moist soil with full sun to partial shade. Make sure to plant the ‘?hi‘a Lehua using good soil with organic matter to enhance the growth of the plant.Watering Needs
‘?hi‘a Lehua requires moderate watering, depending on the time of year and location. During the summer months, when the weather is hot, it requires regular watering to keep the soil moist. In the colder months or rainy season, you can reduce the watering to avoid waterlogging the soil. Ensure the plant's soil never dries out and never leaves excess moisture in the soil, as both scenarios can harm the plant.Fertilization
For proper growth and development of ‘?hi‘a Lehua, it requires regular fertilization. Use a balanced 10-10-10 fertilizer, specially formulated for acid-loving plants. Fertilize the plant every three months if it is in a container or every six months if it is in the ground. Try to reduce fertilizer usage in the winter when the plant is dormant.Pruning
Regular pruning is essential for maintaining the shape and cleaning up the dead or diseased branches. Trimming should be done primarily after the blooming season when the plant has already produced flowers. Use sterilized pruning tools to avoid infecting the plant with diseases. Avoid heavy pruning or cutting off the whole branch as it can cause damage to the main structure of the plant.Propagation of Metrosideros Polymorpha Gaud. Var. Newellii (Rock) St. John
Metrosideros polymorpha Gaud. var. newellii (Rock) St. John, also known as ??hi?a lehua, is a flowering evergreen tree that is native to Hawaii. It is a popular ornamental plant and is propagated through various methods.
Propagation Methods
Seed Propagation
Seed propagation is the most common method for propagating ??hi?a lehua. The seeds require stratification to break their dormancy and allow for germination. This can be achieved by cold stratification or by soaking the seeds in water for several days. Once the seeds have been stratified, they can be sowed in a well-draining soil mix and kept moist until they germinate.
Cutting Propagation
Cutting propagation is another method that can be used to propagate ??hi?a lehua. Semi-hardwood cuttings are taken from the parent plant and planted in a well-draining soil mix. It is important to keep the cuttings moist and in a humid environment until they root. A rooting hormone can be used to improve rooting success.
Air Layering
Air layering is a method that can be used to propagate larger ??hi?a lehua trees. A section of the parent plant’s branch is slit and a rooting hormone is applied to the wound. This section is then wrapped in a moist rooting medium and secured in place. Roots will develop from the wounded area, and once they have reached a sufficient length, the rooted section can be cut and planted in a new container or in the ground.
Propagation of ??hi?a lehua can be successful when using any of these methods, but it is important to note that the success rate may vary depending on the environment and care provided for the propagated plants.
Disease and Pest Management for Metrosideros Polymorpha Gaud. var. newellii (Rock) St. John
Metrosideros Polymorpha Gaud. var. newellii (Rock) St. John, commonly known as the Newell's Ironwood, is a native Hawaiian plant that can be prone to diseases and pests. Proper management is key to ensure the plant's health and longevity. Here are some common diseases and pests that might affect the plant, along with suggestions on how to manage them.
Common Diseases
Ohia Wilt Disease: Also known as rapid ohia death, this disease is caused by a fungus that attacks the tree's vascular system. Symptoms include wilting, yellowing of leaves, and death of the tree. There is currently no cure for ohia wilt disease, and infected trees should be immediately removed to prevent further spread.
Anthracnose: This fungal disease affects the leaves and causes dark spots or lesions. Severe infections can cause defoliation, stunted growth, and death of the tree. Anthracnose can be managed through proper sanitation, including cleaning up fallen leaves and twigs, and pruning infected branches. Fungicides may also be used.
Leaf Spot: Leaf spot is also caused by a fungus and is characterized by circular spots on the leaves. Heavily infected leaves may drop prematurely. As with anthracnose, sanitation and fungicides can help manage the disease.
Common Pests
Koa Bug: This insect feeds on the sap of ohia trees, causing leaf wilting and eventual death. There is currently no effective way to manage koa bugs, and prevention is the best course of action. Protecting the tree's root system and maintaining good tree health can help prevent infestations.
Ohia Seed Moth: This moth lays its eggs on the ohia tree's flowers, causing damage to the resulting seed pods. Infested seeds may be deformed or non-viable. Pesticides can be used to manage ohia seed moths.
Mealybugs: These pests are small, white insects that feed on plant sap and excrete a sticky substance called honeydew. They often congregate in the branch crotches and on new growth. Mealybugs can be managed through biological controls such as beneficial insects or through pesticides.
Regular monitoring of the plant is important to catch any diseases or pest infestations early on. Depending on the severity of an infestation, it may be necessary to consult with a professional landscaper or arborist for assistance in managing the issue.
