Origin
Nototrichium sandwicense (Gray) Hbd. var. pulchellum Sherff, also known as ‘?lula in the Hawaiian language, is an endemic plant species found only in the Hawaiian Islands. It is specifically found in the dryland forests of the islands of Maui, Moloka'i, and Lana'i.
Common Names
The plant is commonly known as ‘?lula in Hawaiian and has a few English names such as Sandwicense silver-arrow, Maui sandalwood, and Lanai sandalwood.
Uses
The ‘?lula plant has been traditionally used by the native Hawaiian people in various ways. The bark was used to make a red dye for clothing, and the wood was burned as incense and used in religious ceremonies. The plant was also used as a medicinal herb to treat various ailments such as fever, sore throat, and stomachache.
Currently, the plant is valued for its ecological importance as it provides habitat and food for native bird and insect species. It is also used in ecological restoration programs to help conserve dryland forests.
General Appearance
The ‘?lula plant is a small tree or shrub that can grow up to 20 feet tall. Its leaves are gray-green, lance-shaped, and coated with fine white hairs. The branches are covered with small white bumps called lenticels. The flowers are small and white with yellow centers and are followed by small, dry fruits. The bark of the tree is grayish-brown and scaly. The plant has a distinct aromatic scent when its leaves are crushed.
Typical Growth Conditions of Nototrichium sandwicense var. pulchellum Sherff
Light: Nototrichium sandwicense var. pulchellum Sherff prefers to grow in areas with bright, indirect sunlight. It cannot tolerate direct sunlight for prolonged periods as it can cause leaf scorching and damage. Indoor plants must be placed near a window that receives bright, filtered light for optimal growth.
Temperature: This plant thrives in warm temperatures and cannot tolerate temperatures below 50°F. The optimal range for growth is between 60°F to 80°F. Fluctuations in temperature can significantly affect plant growth and health. Avoid placing the plant near drafts or in areas with temperature fluctuations.
Soil Requirements: The Nototrichium sandwicense var. pulchellum Sherff requires well-draining soil that retains moisture but does not stay waterlogged. Soil pH of 5.5 to 6.5 is optimal for plant growth. The addition of organic matter to the soil can improve drainage and increase soil fertility. The plant needs to be watered regularly, but overwatering must be avoided as it can result in root damage and plant death.
Fertilizer: The plant requires regular fertilization with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer during the growing season, i.e., spring and summer. Fertilization must be decreased or stopped entirely in the winter months when plant growth slows down. The use of organic fertilizers can improve soil fertility and plant growth.
Humidity: Nototrichium sandwicense var. pulchellum Sherff prefers moderate humidity levels to grow optimally. It is essential to avoid dry air conditions as it can cause leaf browning and wilting. You can increase humidity levels around the plant by misting it regularly or placing a humidifier near it.
Propagation: This plant can be propagated by stem cuttings or division. Propagation via seed is challenging, and it can take a long time to see results.
Pests and Diseases: The plant is highly resistant to pests and diseases when grown in optimal conditions. However, spider mites, mealybugs, and scale insects may occasionally infest the plant. Diseases such as root rot can occur if the soil is waterlogged.
Plant Care: Regular pruning can help maintain the plant's shape and promote bushy growth. Wiping the leaves with a soft, moist cloth can remove any dust or debris and improve overall plant health. Yellowing or wilting leaves must be removed immediately to prevent the spread of disease to the rest of the plant.
Cultivation methods
The Nototrichium sandwicense (Gray) Hbd. var. pulchellum Sherff is native to the Hawaiian Islands and requires a tropical to sub-tropical climate to grow. The plant can be grown indoors or outdoors and prefers well-draining soil. The soil should be moist but not waterlogged. The plant can be grown from seeds or cuttings. It is recommended to plant the seeds or cuttings in early spring to give them enough time to establish before winter.
Watering needs
The Nototrichium sandwicense (Gray) Hbd. var. pulchellum Sherff requires regular watering to prevent the soil from drying out. The frequency of watering will depend on the environmental conditions and the soil type. The plant should be watered deeply but the soil should be allowed to dry out slightly before the next watering. Overwatering can lead to root rot which can be fatal for the plant, so it is important to ensure that water does not accumulate in the soil.
Fertilization
The Nototrichium sandwicense (Gray) Hbd. var. pulchellum Sherff should be fertilized regularly to ensure healthy growth. A balanced fertilizer with a 10-10-10 or 20-20-20 ratio should be applied every two weeks during the growing season. Alternatively, a slow-release fertilizer can be applied once a month. It is important not to over-fertilize the plant as this can cause damage to the foliage and roots.
Pruning
The Nototrichium sandwicense (Gray) Hbd. var. pulchellum Sherff can be pruned to maintain its shape and size. Dead, damaged, or diseased branches should be removed immediately to prevent the spread of disease. The plant can also be pruned to control its size or shape. Pruning should be done in late winter or early spring before the plant starts to grow. It is important not to prune more than one-third of the plant at a time as this can cause stress to the plant.
Propagation Methods
Nototrichium sandwicense (Gray) Hbd. var. pulchellum Sherff, commonly known as Hawaiian verbena, can be propagated through stem cuttings or seed germination. Stem cuttings are the preferred method for propagation as they are quicker and more reliable than using seeds.
Stem Cutting Propagation
The stem cutting method involves taking a cutting of a healthy, mature stem from the parent plant. The stem should be 4-6 inches long with a few leaves attached. Remove the leaves from the bottom 1-2 inches of the cutting and dip the cut end in rooting hormone. Plant the cutting in a well-draining potting mix and keep it consistently moist. It is best to keep the plant in a warm, humid environment and out of direct sunlight during the rooting process.
Seed Germination Method
To propagate Hawaiian verbena through seed germination, collect ripe seeds from the parent plant and sow them in seed trays filled with a well-draining potting mix. Keep the tray consistently moist and in a warm, sunny place. Seeds typically take 2-3 weeks to germinate. Once the seedlings have two true leaves, they can be transplanted into individual pots.
Disease and Pest Management of Nototrichium sandwicense (Gray) Hbd. var. pulchellum Sherff
Nototrichium sandwicense (Gray) Hbd. var. pulchellum Sherff is a low-growing, perennial plant native to Hawaii. While it is a hardy plant, it may still be susceptible to certain diseases and pests. Here are some common ones and the management techniques to keep in mind:
Common Diseases
Leaf spot: This fungal disease can cause circular brown spots on the leaves of the plant. To manage it, remove infected leaves and provide good air circulation around the plant. Avoid watering the leaves and use a fungicide if necessary.
Root rot: Excessive moisture can lead to root rot, which causes the roots of the plant to become mushy and blackened. To prevent this, ensure that the soil is well-draining and do not over-water the plant.
Common Pests
Aphids: These small, soft-bodied insects can cluster on the leaves of the plant, causing them to yellow and curl. To manage an infestation, remove infected leaves and use insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Spider mites: These tiny pests can cause stippling on the leaves of the plant. To manage them, regularly mist the leaves to keep them hydrated and use insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Slugs and snails: These pests can eat holes in the leaves of the plant and damage its overall health. To manage them, remove any hiding places such as debris or rocks near the plant and use a slug bait.
By keeping an eye out for these common diseases and pests and taking the appropriate management steps, you can help ensure the health and vitality of your Nototrichium sandwicense (Gray) Hbd. var. pulchellum Sherff plant.
