Origin and Common Names
Myrsine sandwicensis A. DC. var. mauiensis Levl., commonly known as Maui colicwood or 'Awa kamali'i, is a species of flowering plant endemic to Hawaii.
Appearance
The Maui colicwood is a small, slow-growing shrub that can reach a height of up to 3 feet. It has shiny, oval-shaped leaves that are around 1 inch long and around half an inch wide. The plant produces small, white flowers that grow on spikes at the end of branches.
Uses
The Maui colicwood has been traditionally used in Hawaiian culture for its medicinal properties. It has been boiled into teas or used as a tonic to help with stomach ailments and colic in babies. Its leaves have also been made into a poultice and applied to wounds to help with healing. Additionally, the plant is used in landscape as a decorative shrub in gardens and parks.
Light Requirements
The Myrsine sandwicensis A. DC. var. mauiensis Levl. requires moderate shade to full sun exposure. It can grow under the forest canopy or in direct sunlight. However, it should be noted that excessive sun exposure can lead to leaf scorching and the plant may require more water to quench its thirst.
Temperature Requirements
This plant thrives in moderate temperatures, typically ranging from 18°C to 27°C. Extreme temperatures, whether hot or cold, can harm the plant’s growth. It cannot tolerate frost, and temperatures below 5°C can lead to damage or death of the plant.
Soil Requirements
Myrsine sandwicensis A. DC. var. mauiensis Levl. prefers well-drained, nutrient-rich soils that are acidic to neutral in pH. The plant can grow in various soils, including sandy, loamy, and clayey soils. However, heavy clay soils that are poorly drained could harm the roots. The plant can also grow on rocky slopes where the root system can cling and penetrate the crevices.
Cultivation Methods
Myrsine sandwicensis A. DC. var. mauiensis Levl. is native to Hawaii and requires warm temperatures to thrive. It grows well in moist, well-drained soils with a neutral to slightly acidic pH. The plant prefers partial shade but can tolerate full sun if given enough water. It can be propagated from seeds or cuttings.
Watering Needs
This plant needs regular watering to maintain its moisture levels. It should be watered when the soil feels dry to the touch, but not to the point of waterlogging. Too much water can lead to root rot, so it is important not to overwater. During the dry season, it may need more frequent watering to keep the soil moist.
Fertilization
The plant requires regular fertilization to maintain its growth and health. A balanced fertilizer with equal levels of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium can be applied every two to three months. During the growing season, it can also benefit from a slow-release fertilizer. Be careful not to over-fertilize as this can cause nutrient burn and damage the plant.
Pruning
Pruning helps to maintain the shape and health of the plant. It can be done once a year in the early spring before the growing season begins. The dead or damaged branches should be removed to prevent disease from spreading. It is also beneficial to remove the old flowers, which can improve the growth of new ones and encourage more blooming.
Propagation of Myrsine sandwicensis A. DC. var. mauiensis Levl.
Myrsine sandwicensis A. DC. var. mauiensis Levl. can be propagated through both seed and vegetative methods.
Seed Propagation
Fresh seeds that have been recently collected should be used for propagation. The seeds should be cleaned and soaked in water for several hours. Scarification can also be performed using sandpaper or a file to break the seed coat. This will help in the germination process.
Sow the seeds in a well-drained potting mix, covering them with a thin layer of soil. Germination usually takes around 2-3 weeks. As soon as the seedlings emerge, remove the cover and place them in a bright and well-ventilated area.
Vegetative Propagation
Myrsine sandwicensis A. DC. var. mauiensis Levl. can also be propagated through cuttings.
Take 4-5 inch stem cuttings from the parent plant, cutting just below a node. Remove the lower leaves and dip the cuttings in rooting hormone. Place the cuttings in a well-draining potting mix or perlite, mist them regularly, and keep them in a brightly lit area out of direct sunlight.
After roots have formed, which usually takes 4-6 weeks, the new plants can be transplanted into individual containers.
Myrsine sandwicensis A. DC. var. mauiensis Levl. can also be propagated through layering, which involves bending a low-hanging stem down to the ground and covering part of it with soil. In a few weeks, the covered section will develop roots and can be cut away from the parent plant.
Disease Management
Myrsine sandwicensis A. DC. var. mauiensis Levl. is prone to various diseases that can damage the plant, reduce its vigour or even kill it. Some common diseases that affect this plant include:
- Phytophthora root rot: This disease is caused by a fungus-like organism that attacks the roots, causing them to rot. It is a serious disease that can kill the plant. To manage this disease, it is recommended to avoid planting the plant in poorly drained areas. Provide good drainage in the soil and maintain proper irrigation practices.
- Powdery mildew: This is a fungal disease that appears as a white or grey powdery coating on the leaves. It can stunt the growth of the plant and reduce its vigour. To manage this disease, remove infected leaves immediately and spray the plant with fungicides.
- Anthracnose: This is a fungal disease that causes dark brown to black spots on the leaves, stems and fruit of the plant. To manage this disease, remove infected plant parts immediately and dispose of them properly. Use fungicides to protect the plant from future infections.
Pest Management
Myrsine sandwicensis A. DC. var. mauiensis Levl. is also vulnerable to various pests that can damage the plant or reduce its vigour. Some common pests that affect this plant include:
- Spider mites: These pests are tiny and can be difficult to detect. They attack the leaves and cause them to turn yellow or bronze. To manage spider mites, use insecticidal soap or horticultural oils to suffocate them.
- Scale insects: These pests are small, immobile insects that attach themselves to the plant and suck out its sap. They can cause the plant to lose vigour, turn yellow and eventually die. To manage scale insects, prune infested plant parts and use horticultural oils to suffocate them.
- Mealybugs: These pests are soft-bodied insects that secrete a cottony substance around themselves. They attack the leaves and stems of the plant and can cause them to distort and become stunted. To manage mealybugs, remove them manually and use insecticidal soap or horticultural oils to suffocate them.
