Description of Metrosideros Polymorpha Gaud. Var. Parviflora Skottsberg
Metrosideros polymorpha Gaud. var. parviflora Skottsberg is a flowering plant that belongs to the myrtle family (Myrtaceae). It is commonly known as the small-flowered `ohi`a or `ohi`a lehua. The plant is endemic to the Hawaiian Islands, where it can be found growing naturally across a wide range of elevations, from sea level to over 7,000 feet.
General Appearance
The small-flowered `ohi`a is an evergreen tree that can reach up to 15 meters in height. It has a straight trunk with a diameter of up to 60 cm, and its bark is either smooth or scaly with a reddish-brown color. The tree has a crown that is widely spreading and typically has a diameter that is equal to or greater than the height of the tree.
The leaves of the small-flowered `ohi`a are dark green, shiny, and range from 1-6 cm in length. The plant produces small, fragrant flowers that are typically less than 2 cm in size, and have a white to pinkish color. The flowers are borne in clusters at the tips of the branches.
Uses of Metrosideros Polymorpha Gaud. Var. Parviflora Skottsberg
The small-flowered `ohi`a has been used for a variety of purposes by the indigenous peoples of Hawaii. The wood of the tree has been used for making weapons, tools, and furniture. The bark has been used to make cordage, and the leaves have been used to make a fragrant tea.
The plant is also valued for its ecological significance. It is an important part of the Hawaiian ecosystem, providing habitat for a variety of native species. The flowers of the small-flowered `ohi`a are an important source of nectar for native birds, including the `apapane and i`iwi, and its leaves and branches provide important nesting habitat for birds.
Light Requirements
Metrosideros polymorpha Gaud. var. parviflora Skottsberg typically grows in full sun to partial shade. It requires a minimum of six hours of direct sunlight each day to thrive. Although the plant can tolerate some shade, it may produce fewer flowers in shadier areas.
Temperature Requirements
The plant is native to tropical regions and grows best in warm temperatures. It can tolerate a minimum temperature of 50°F (10°C) but prefers temperatures between 70°F to 85°F (21°C to 29°C). If the plant is exposed to temperatures below 50°F (10°C) for a prolonged period, it may experience leaf damage or die back.
Soil Requirements
The plant prefers well-draining acidic soil with a pH level between 4.5 to 6.5. It can tolerate sandy, loamy, or clay soils as long as the soil is nutrient-rich and well-drained. The roots of the plant are sensitive to waterlogged soil and may experience root rot if left in standing water for too long.
Cultivation of Metrosideros polymorpha Gaud. var. parviflora Skottsberg
Metrosideros polymorpha Gaud. var. parviflora Skottsberg is a plant species that grows naturally in various areas in Hawaii. However, it can also be grown in other regions with similar subtropical or tropical climates. The plant can be propagated by stem cuttings, which should be taken from young and healthy shoots in spring or summer. The cuttings should be about 3-4 inches long and should be rooted in well-draining soil mix.
The ideal growing conditions for Metrosideros polymorpha Gaud. var. parviflora Skottsberg include full sun exposure and well-draining soil. The plant prefers acidic soil with pH values between 5.5 and 6.5. It can also grow in slightly alkaline soils, but the tolerance is limited.
Watering Needs
Metrosideros polymorpha Gaud. var. parviflora Skottsberg requires moderate watering. The soil should be kept moist, but not waterlogged, as the plant is susceptible to root rot. It is advisable to water the plant when the top one inch of soil is dry. During the hot summer months, the plant may require more frequent watering.
Fertilization
Regular fertilization is essential for the healthy growth of Metrosideros polymorpha Gaud. var. parviflora Skottsberg. The plant should be fertilized with a complete balanced fertilizer that contains nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. It is advisable to fertilize the plant every 4-6 weeks during the growing season. Over-fertilization should be avoided as it can lead to excessive vegetative growth with reduced flowering.
Pruning
Pruning is recommended to keep the plant in shape and improve its overall health. Metrosideros polymorpha Gaud. var. parviflora Skottsberg can be pruned during the winter months when the plant is in dormancy. The dead, diseased, or damaged branches should be removed first. Then, the overgrown branches should be pruned to shape the plant and encourage bushier growth. It is advisable to use clean and sharp pruning tools to prevent the spread of diseases.
Propagation of Metrosideros polymorpha Gaud. var. parviflora Skottsberg
The plant Metrosideros polymorpha Gaud. var. parviflora Skottsberg, also known as the dwarf ??hi?a, can be propagated through various methods. Here are some of the most common ones:
1. Seeds
The easiest way to propagate Metrosideros polymorpha Gaud. var. parviflora Skottsberg is through seeds. Collect the seeds during the fruiting season and sow them immediately in a potting mix that drains well. Place the pot in a warm, bright, and humid location, and keep the soil moist. Germination usually takes two to four weeks. Once the seedlings are large enough to handle, transplant them to individual pots.
2. Stem cuttings
Propagation through stem cuttings is a bit trickier than seeds, but it's still a viable option. Using a clean, sharp knife, cut a healthy stem that's at least six inches long from the parent plant. Remove the leaves from the bottom half of the stem, leaving two to three leaves at the top. Dip the cutting in rooting hormone and insert it into a well-draining potting mix. Place the pot in a warm, bright, and humid location, and mist the cutting regularly to prevent it from drying out. Rooting should occur in four to eight weeks.
3. Air layering
Air layering is a more complex propagation method, but it's useful if you want to produce a larger plant faster. Select a healthy, mature stem and remove a section of bark from the middle of the stem. Cover the exposed wood with moist sphagnum moss and wrap it in plastic to keep it in place. Wait for roots to form, which can take several months. Once the roots are well-established, cut the rooted section from the parent plant and pot it in a well-draining potting mix.
Disease and Pest Management for Metrosideros Polymorpha Gaud. Var. Parviflora Skottsberg
Metrosideros polymorpha Gaud. var. parviflora Skottsberg, commonly known as the dwarf ??hi?a, is a small tree endemic to Maui and Hawai?i. This plant species is susceptible to various diseases and pests, which can cause damage to the foliage, flowers, and fruits. To maintain healthy plants, proper disease and pest management strategies must be implemented.
Common Diseases
Anthracnose and leaf spot are common diseases that affect the foliage of Metrosideros polymorpha Gaud. var. parviflora Skottsberg. The symptoms include brownish or black spots on the leaves that can cause leaf drop, defoliation, and weakened growth. To manage these diseases, it is best to remove all the infected leaves and prune the affected branches. Proper sanitation measures, including cleaning the pruning tools with a disinfectant, should be carried out to prevent the spread.
Common Pests
The dwarf ??hi?a is susceptible to various pests, such as scale insects, mealybugs, and mites. These pests feed on the sap of the plant, which can weaken the growth and cause the leaves to turn yellow and fall off. To manage these pests, it is best to prune and remove the affected areas of the plant. Horticultural oils or insecticidal soaps can be used to control the infestation. Regular monitoring of the plant for early signs of infestation is also recommended.
