Overview
Myoporum sandwicense var. lanaiense Webster, commonly known as Lanai naio, is a small tree endemic to the Hawaiian island of Lanai. It is a member of the Primulaceae family and is closely related to other Myoporum species found throughout the Pacific.
Appearance
Lanai naio typically grows up to 30 feet tall, although some specimens may reach up to 50 feet in ideal conditions. The leaves are small and elliptical, measuring about 1 to 2 inches in length. The bark is gray-brown and fissured, with a scaly appearance. The tree produces small, white or pinkish flowers that are followed by small, fleshy, black berries.
Location
Myoporum sandwicense var. lanaiense is endemic to the island of Lanai, one of the smallest inhabited islands in the Hawaiian chain. It is found primarily in the dry lowlands and coastal forests of the island, where it plays an important ecological role in stabilizing the soil and providing habitat for native bird species.
Uses
Lanai naio has a long history of use in traditional Hawaiian medicine for its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. The tree's bark and leaves were also used to make Cordage and Dye. In more recent times, its cuttings have been used for reforestation projects on Lanai and other parts of Hawaii.
Growth Conditions for Myoporum sandwicense var. lanaiense
Light Requirements: Myoporum sandwicense var. lanaiense prefers full sun to partial shade, and it can grow in a variety of light conditions. In general, this plant needs at least six hours of direct sunlight per day to thrive. If the plant does not receive enough direct sunlight, it may become leggy and weak.
Temperature Requirements: Myoporum sandwicense var. lanaiense is a warm-weather plant that thrives in temperatures between 60-85°F. It can tolerate a wide range of temperatures, but too much heat or cold can cause damage. Extreme temperatures can also affect flowering and fruiting.
Soil Requirements: This plant prefers well-draining soil with a slightly acidic pH between 5.5 and 6.5. It can tolerate poor soil conditions, but it will not thrive. The soil should be rich in nutrients and organic matter, and it should provide adequate drainage. In addition, this plant is tolerant of salt spray and can grow in coastal areas.
Cultivation
Myoporum sandwicense var. lanaiense, also known as ?lula in Hawaiian, is a hardy shrub endemic to the island of L?na’i. It can thrive in a wide range of soils, including sandy and rocky terrain.
The plant prefers a dry environment and can tolerate drought conditions, but it should be watered regularly during the initial stages of growth. It is also capable of adapting to full sunlight or partial shade, making it an ideal choice for landscaping projects in various settings.
Watering Needs
While Myoporum sandwicense var. lanaiense can endure drought conditions, it still requires regular watering for optimal growth. Newly planted shrubs should be watered at least twice a week for the first two months. Afterward, the frequency can be reduced to once a week, depending on the climate and soil conditions.
The plant prefers dry soil and can rot when overwatered, so it is necessary to let the soil dry out between each watering session.
Fertilization
The ideal time to fertilize Myoporum sandwicense var. lanaiense is during the growing season, which typically starts in late winter and ends in early fall. A slow-release fertilizer with a balanced N-P-K ratio of 10-10-10 is recommended.
The shrub should be fertilized every two months during the growing season, but avoid fertilizing during winter since the plant goes dormant during this period.
Pruning
Pruning Myoporum sandwicense var. lanaiense is best done in late winter, just before the onset of new growth. The aim of pruning is to thin out the plant's canopy to promote optimal air circulation, which helps prevent fungal infections.
Remove any dead or diseased branches and go for a light trim of one-third of the plant's height. However, avoid overpruning as this can lead to stunted growth and reduced flowering.
Propagation of Myoporum sandwicense var. lanaiense
Myoporum sandwicense var. lanaiense, commonly known as Lanai naio, is a tree species native to Hawaii that belongs to the figwort family (Scrophulariaceae). This evergreen plant is known for its fragrant flowers and drought-tolerance, making it a popular choice for landscaping in dry areas.
Propagation methods
Myoporum sandwicense var. lanaiense can be propagated through various methods that include:
Seed propagation
Seeds of this species can be collected from mature fruits and sown in seed-starting mix or a well-draining soil mixture. Seeds need to be scarified by soaking them in hot water for several hours, which helps to break the outer seed coat and increase germination rates. The seeds should be kept moist and warm and can take several weeks to germinate.
Cutting propagation
This method involves taking stem cuttings of the plant and rooting them in a rooting hormone. Cuttings should be taken from mature plants during the early spring or summer months, when new growth is emerging. The cuttings should be placed in a well-draining soil mix and kept moist, with high humidity and indirect light, until roots form in several weeks.
Air layering
Air layering is a propagation method that involves creating a wound on a stem of a mature plant and wrapping the exposed area with moist sphagnum moss and plastic wrap, which can encourage root growth. After roots develop, the stem can be cut and transplanted into a new container or into the ground.
Successful propagation of Myoporum sandwicense var. lanaiense typically requires consistent moisture and protection from direct sunlight and high temperatures until the roots become established.
Disease and pest management for Myoporum sandwicense var. lanaiense
Myoporum sandwicense var. lanaiense is a robust, drought-tolerant shrub that is native to Hawaii. Despite its hardiness, this plant is susceptible to various diseases and pests. Here are some common issues that can affect Myoporum sandwicense var. lanaiense and ways to manage them.
Pests
1. Myoporum thrips: Myoporum thrips are tiny insects that suck the sap from the leaves and stems of Myoporum sandwicense var. lanaiense, causing them to turn yellow and drop. To control these pests, you can use insecticidal soap or neem oil, which are both effective organic remedies.
2. Spider mites: Spider mites are another insect pest that can harm Myoporum sandwicense var. lanaiense. They are difficult to see with the naked eye but can be identified by tiny webs on the plant. These pests damage the leaves, causing them to turn yellow and develop brown spots. To prevent spider mites, avoid overwatering the plant and mist the leaves regularly with water. You can also use neem oil or insecticidal soap to control spider mites.
Diseases
1. Root rot: Root rot is caused by overwatering the plant or planting it in poorly drained soil. This disease damages the roots, making the plant unable to absorb water and nutrients from the soil. To prevent root rot, make sure the soil is well-draining, and avoid overwatering the plant.
2. Leaf spot: Leaf spot is a fungal disease that causes small, circular spots on the leaves of Myoporum sandwicense var. lanaiense. These spots can merge to form larger patches, causing the leaves to drop prematurely. To manage leaf spot, remove the affected leaves and make sure the plant has good air ventilation.
3. Powdery mildew: Powdery mildew is a fungal disease that appears as a white or grayish powder on the leaves of Myoporum sandwicense var. lanaiense. This disease weakens the plant and makes it more susceptible to other pests and diseases. To prevent powdery mildew, avoid over-fertilizing the plant, and make sure it has good air circulation.
By paying attention to the signs of disease and pests, you can manage these issues before they become severe. It's important to keep the plant healthy by providing it with good soil, proper irrigation, and adequate sunlight. With proper care, Myoporum sandwicense var. lanaiense can thrive and add beauty to your garden or landscape.
