Origin
Nototrichium sandwicense (Gray) Hbd. var. longispicatum Hbd. is a flowering plant native to the Hawaiian Islands. It is commonly found in the high-elevation grasslands and shrublands of the islands.
Common Names
The plant is commonly known as kulu?? or kulu??h?wane in Hawaiian, which translates to "sticky-leaved Nototrichium." It is also sometimes referred to as the Hawaiian stinkwort or Hawaiian stickweed.
Uses
Despite its unpleasant odor, kulu?? has been used for a variety of medicinal purposes in traditional Hawaiian culture. It has been used to treat respiratory ailments, promote circulation, and soothe skin conditions. The plant is also used in ceremonial and cultural practices in Hawaii.
Additionally, kulu?? plays an important ecological role in the ecosystems where it grows. It provides habitat and food for native insects and birds, and helps to stabilize the soil in areas prone to erosion.
General Appearance
Nototrichium sandwicense (Gray) Hbd. var. longispicatum Hbd. is a small, herbaceous perennial that typically grows to a height of 20-50 centimeters. The plant has sticky, glandular leaves that are green when young and turn yellow or reddish-brown when mature. The leaves are arranged alternately along the stem, and have a distinctive odor when crushed.
In the summer, kulu?? produces clusters of small, yellow-green flowers that are arranged in spikes. The flowers eventually give way to fruit capsules that contain numerous small seeds.
Kulu?? is a hardy plant that is well-suited to the harsh conditions of Hawaii's high-elevation ecosystems. It is adapted to dry, windy conditions, and has a deep taproot that helps it access water and nutrients from the soil.
Light requirements
Nototrichium sandwicense var. longispicatum requires full sun exposure for optimal growth and development. It can tolerate some shade, but too much shade can lead to stunted growth and reduced vigor.
Temperature requirements
This plant is native to Hawaii and prefers moderate temperatures. It can tolerate some fluctuations in temperature, but extreme heat or cold can be detrimental to its growth. The ideal temperature range for Nototrichium sandwicense var. longispicatum is between 60 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit.
Soil requirements
Nototrichium sandwicense var. longispicatum thrives in well-drained and nutrient-rich soils. It can grow in a variety of soil types, including loamy and sandy soils. However, the soil must be moist but not waterlogged, as excessive moisture can lead to root rot and other diseases. Additionally, this plant is adapted to grow in volcanic soils with a high concentration of iron, magnesium, and other minerals.
Cultivation Methods for Nototrichium sandwicense (Gray) Hbd. var. longispicatum Hbd.
Nototrichium sandwicense (Gray) Hbd. var. longispicatum Hbd. is a native plant of Hawaii but can be cultivated in other regions. The plant can be grown from seeds or cuttings. For seed propagation, plant the seeds in a mixture of sand and peat moss and keep the soil moist but not overly wet. The seeds need plenty of sunlight to germinate. For cuttings, take stem cuttings in the summer and plant them in pots filled with a mixture of sand and peat moss. Keep the soil moist and place the pots in a warm, bright area.
Watering Needs for Nototrichium sandwicense (Gray) Hbd. var. longispicatum Hbd.
Nototrichium sandwicense (Gray) Hbd. var. longispicatum Hbd. requires regular watering to remain healthy. During the growing season, water deeply every week or when the top inch of soil feels dry. If you are growing the plant in a pot, ensure that the container has drainage holes to prevent waterlogging. Reduce watering during the dormant season, but do not let the soil dry out completely.
Fertilization of Nototrichium sandwicense (Gray) Hbd. var. longispicatum Hbd.
The plant requires regular fertilization during the growing season to promote healthy growth. Use a balanced fertilizer every two to three weeks from spring to fall. Avoid fertilizing during the dormant season as the plant is not actively growing.
Pruning Nototrichium sandwicense (Gray) Hbd. var. longispicatum Hbd.
Pruning is not necessary for Nototrichium sandwicense (Gray) Hbd. var. longispicatum Hbd. However, if you want to maintain the plant's shape, prune lightly in the late winter or early spring. Remove any dead or diseased branches, and prune back any overgrown areas. Be careful not to remove too much of the plant as it can impact its growth and overall health.
Propagation of Nototrichium sandwicense var. longispicatum
Propagation of Nototrichium sandwicense var. longispicatum is primarily through the use of seeds.
The seeds of the plant are small, about 1-2 millimeters in length, and require specific conditions for successful germination. The seeds require a moist and well-aerated growing medium, with temperatures maintained at around 21-23°C.
It is important to note that the seeds of Nototrichium sandwicense var. longispicatum have a very short viability period, lasting only a few months before germination rates start to decline significantly.
Additionally, the plant can also be propagated through stem cuttings. However, this method is not as common and has limited success rates.
Stem cuttings can be taken from healthy and mature plants and placed in a well-draining potting mix. The cuttings require high humidity and warm temperatures to promote root development.
Overall, seed propagation is the most common and reliable method for propagating Nototrichium sandwicense var. longispicatum.
Disease Management
Nototrichium sandwicense var. longispicatum is a resilient plant variety that is relatively resistant to diseases. However, some bacterial, fungal, and viral infections can affect the growth and overall health of the plant. Leaf spot, blight, rust, and powdery mildew are some of the common diseases that affect the plant. Implementing proper sanitation practices can prevent disease-causing pathogens from spreading and infecting the plant. Here are some techniques to manage diseases:
- Ensure proper irrigation and drainage systems of the soil to prevent waterlogged soil.
- Keep the foliage dry to prevent fungal growth.
- Prune infected parts of the plant to prevent the malady from spreading.
- Use proper fungicides or bactericides to control the disease-causing pathogens.
Pest Management
The plant is also susceptible to different kinds of pests such as spider mites, caterpillars, slugs, and snails. These pests feed on the foliage, causing physical damage to the plant and reducing its ability to photosynthesize. Here are some techniques you can use to manage pests:
- Use manual control methods such as hand-picking the pests and crushing them.
- Introduce natural predators such as ladybugs, birds, or parasitic wasps that feed on the pests.
- Use insecticides carefully to avoid killing off beneficial insects that help the plant.
- Clean and sterilize all equipment before using and do not move the plants near other plants that have pest problems.
