Plant Description:
Pelea cinerea (Gray) Hbd. var. skottsbergii B.C. Stone is a species of flowering plant that belongs to the Rutaceae family. It is a small tree or shrub that typically grows between four to ten meters tall, with a slender trunk that may have a diameter of up to 15 centimeters. The leaves of the plant are pinnately compound, with three to nine leaflets that are smooth and shiny, measuring 1 to 3 cm wide and 4 to 9 cm long. The fragrant flowers are small and white, and the fruit is an oval-shaped orange drupe that measures up to 2 centimeters long and 1.2 centimeters wide.
Origin and Common Names:
Pelea cinerea var. skottsbergii is native to the Pacific Ocean islands, particularly Hawaii, French Polynesia, and Easter Island. It is commonly known as Laua'e pele or koli'i in Hawaii, while in Tahiti, it is called 'atotahi.
Uses:
Pelea cinerea var. skottsbergii has a wide variety of uses in traditional medicine. The leaves of the plant were used by the people of Hawaii to make a poultice that was applied to relieve headaches and to treat wounds and infections. The fruit of the plant was also used as a laxative and as a purgative. The wood of the plant was used for making spears, fishing poles, and weaving tools. Today, Pelea cinerea var. skottsbergii is also used as an ornamental plant for hedges and as an accent plant in gardens.
General Appearance:
The Pelea cinerea var. skottsbergii is a small tree or shrub with a slender trunk and shiny leaves that are smooth and pinnately compound. Its fragrant flowers are small and white, and its fruit is an oval-shaped orange drupe that measures up to 2 centimeters long and 1.2 centimeters wide. The plant is commonly used in traditional medicine and as an ornamental plant in gardens.
Light Requirements
Pelexa cinerea var. skottsbergii prefers bright but indirect light. It should not be exposed to direct sunlight as it can cause the leaves to scorch and turn brown. In the natural habitat, the plant grows under the shade of larger trees. Therefore, it is advisable to place it near a north-facing window or behind a sheer curtain.
Temperature Requirements
The plant is native to the cloud forests of South America, where the temperature is cool and consistent. Therefore, it prefers temperatures between 60-75°F (15-24°C) in the daytime and 50-60°F (10-15°C) at night. It is essential to avoid sudden fluctuations in temperature, particularly during the winter months, as it can cause the leaves to drop.
Soil Requirements
Pelexa cinerea var. skottsbergii prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. The soil should be kept moist, but not waterlogged, as it can cause root rot. A good mix for the plant is two parts peat moss, one-part perlite, and one-part orchid bark. It is also advisable to add a slow-release fertilizer during the growing season to boost plant growth.
Cultivation Methods
To cultivate Pelea cinerea (Gray) Hbd. var. skottsbergii B.C. Stone, make sure to provide well-draining soil with a pH range of 6 to 7.5. It is ideal to grow the plant in a partially shaded location, as it requires filtered sunlight. The plant can tolerate a wide range of temperatures but is sensitive to freezing temperatures. Therefore, it is best to maintain a temperature range between 50 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit.Watering Needs
Watering requirements for Pelea cinerea (Gray) Hbd. var. skottsbergii B.C. Stone are moderate. The plant prefers slightly moist soil, which means watering the plant every two to three days or when the soil seems dry is good enough. However, overwatering should be avoided as it can cause root rot.Fertilization
The plant needs fertilization during its growing season, which is typically from late spring to early summer. Use a balanced fertilizer with equal amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Start by feeding the plant once a month and gradually increase the frequency to every two weeks. However, it is essential to follow the manufacturer's instructions for the proper application of the fertilizer.Pruning
To keep Pelea cinerea (Gray) Hbd. var. skottsbergii B.C. Stone in the desired shape, prune it once a year, preferably during late winter or early spring. Remove any dead or diseased branches and trim off any unwanted growth to maintain an even and compact shape. Use a sharp, sterilized pruning tool to avoid any damage to the plant. It is not necessary to prune the plant too much, as it can reduce its ability to bloom.Propagation Methods for Pelea cinerea (Gray) Hbd. var. skottsbergii B.C. Stone
Pelea cinerea (Gray) Hbd. var. skottsbergii B.C. Stone, commonly known as the skottsbergii, is a rare shrub species that belongs to the Rutaceae family. It is native to the island of Hawaii, where it grows at elevations ranging from 1,000 to 2,000 meters. Despite its narrow range and endangered status, skottsbergii is important for conservation efforts and landscaping. Gardeners and botanists can propagate skottsbergii using various methods, including:
Seed Propagation
Skottsbergii produces seeds in pods that ripen over several months. The seeds are small, dark brown, and hard. To propagate skottsbergii through seed, collect the pods from mature plants and extract the seeds. Soak the seeds in warm water for several hours to soften the hard seed coat. Then, plant the seeds in well-draining soil in a container or seedling tray. Keep the soil moist and warm (about 22-27°C), and the seeds will germinate in 3-4 weeks. Transplant the seedlings to individual pots when they have two or more leaves.
Cuttings Propagation
Skottsbergii can also be propagated through stem cuttings, which is quicker than seed propagation. Take stem cuttings from mature plants during the growing season (mid-spring to early summer). Cut 6-8 inch long stems from the tip or basal side and remove the lower leaves. Dip the bottom end of the cutting in rooting hormone powder and plant it in a well-draining soil mix. Water the soil and cover the cutting with a plastic bag to maintain humidity. Put the cutting in a bright but indirect light and keep the soil moist. Remove the bag and move the plant when rooting occurs (usually in 3-4 weeks).
In conclusion, propagating Pelea cinerea (Gray) Hbd. var. skottsbergii B.C. Stone can be done using either seed propagation or cuttings propagation. While both methods are effective, cuttings propagation is quicker and simpler. Whichever method you choose, remember to maintain proper humidity, warmth, and moisture levels for optimal growth.
Disease and Pest Management for Pelea cinerea var. skottsbergii
Pelea cinerea var. skottsbergii, commonly known as the Skottsberg's pelea, is a plant species that is native to the Pacific region. Like all other plants, several pests and diseases can affect this plant, and it is crucial to manage them to ensure optimal plant growth and health.
Common Diseases of Pelea cinerea var. skottsbergii
Bacterial Leaf Spot: This disease appears as small water-soaked spots on the leaves that gradually enlarge and turn dark brown. The spots have a yellow halo around them, and the leaves may drop prematurely. To manage this disease, it is essential to remove and destroy all infected plant parts and improve air circulation.
Canker Disease: Canker disease forms sunken, dead areas on the stems, which may become discolored or have black growths around them. To manage this disease, prune all infected parts well below the infected area and sterilize the cutting tools.
Common Pests of Pelea cinerea var. skottsbergii
Spider Mites: Spider mites cause yellowing and browning of the leaves, and when left uncontrolled, they can cause severe damage. To manage spider mites, spray the plant foliage with a strong spray of water or insecticidal soap regularly.
Mealybugs: Mealybugs infestation appears as white cottony masses on the leaves and stem joints. They extract the sap and weaken the plant, leading to a stunted growth. To manage mealybugs, wipe the infected parts with a cotton swab soaked in alcohol or spray with insecticidal soap.
Conclusion
Regular monitoring, proper sanitation, and timely intervention are crucial in preventing pest and disease infestations in Pelea cinerea var. skottsbergii. Employing integrated pest management practices helps to manage these pests and diseases effectively without harming the plant as well as the environment.
