Origin
Pelea clusiifolia Gray ssp. dumosa (Rock) B.C. Stone is a small tree or shrub species that belongs to the family Rutaceae. The plant is native to Hawaii and can be found growing in dry and rocky areas of the islands.
Common Names
The plant is commonly known as Ohe Naupaka or Naupaka kuahiwi in Hawaiian language. It is also known as Dwarf ohe naupaka, Mountain naupaka or Skunkwood in English language.
Uses
The plant has a variety of uses in traditional Hawaiian culture. It was used for medicinal purposes to treat various ailments such as stomachache, headache and infections. The bark of the plant was also used to make dye for clothing and baskets. In modern times, the plant is mainly used for ornamental purposes in landscaping due to its attractive foliage.
General Appearance
Pelea clusiifolia Gray ssp. dumosa (Rock) B.C. Stone is a small tree or shrub that can grow up to 20 feet tall but is usually smaller in size. The plant has a compact and bushy growth habit with alternating leaves that are a shiny dark green color on top and a lighter green color on the underside. The leaves are oval-shaped with a pointed tip and have toothed edges. The plant produces small, white flowers that are five-petaled and have a sweet scent. The fruit is a small, round drupe that turns red when ripe.
Light Requirements
Pelea clusiifolia Gray ssp. dumosa (Rock) B.C. Stone thrives in full sun to partial shade. It is ideal to provide the plant with some shade during the hottest hours of the day, especially during the summer season.
Temperature Requirements
The plant prefers warm temperatures, ranging from 60-80 degrees Fahrenheit, and can tolerate occasional frosts. During the winter months, it is best to provide extra protection to the plant from extreme cold temperatures.
Soil Requirements
Pelea clusiifolia Gray ssp. dumosa (Rock) B.C. Stone can grow in various types of soils, including sandy, loamy, and clay soils. However, it prefers well-draining soil with a pH range of 5.5-6.5. It is essential to avoid overwatering as the plant is sensitive to root rot.
Cultivation methods:
Pelea clusiifolia Gray ssp. dumosa (Rock) B.C. Stone is a slow-growing shrub that requires minimal maintenance. It is best grown in well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. This plant prefers full sun but can tolerate partial shade.
Watering needs:
Pelea clusiifolia Gray ssp. dumosa (Rock) B.C. Stone does not require frequent watering. Allow the soil to dry out before watering. Overwatering can lead to root rot and other diseases.
Fertilization:
Fertilization is not necessary for Pelea clusiifolia Gray ssp. dumosa (Rock) B.C. Stone as it can obtain nutrients from the surrounding soil. However, adding a small amount of fertilizer during the growing season can promote healthy growth.
Pruning:
Pruning is not required for Pelea clusiifolia Gray ssp. dumosa (Rock) B.C. Stone. If necessary, remove dead or diseased branches to promote healthy growth. Avoid excessive pruning as this plant has a slow growth rate and may take several years to recover.
Propagation of Pelea clusiifolia Gray ssp. dumosa (Rock) B.C. Stone
Pelea clusiifolia Gray ssp. dumosa (Rock) B.C. Stone, commonly known as wana, belongs to the citrus family and is a dioecious plant. Propagation of this plant is best performed by rooting stem cuttings under intermittent mist.
Preparation of Cuttings
The cuttings should be taken from a mature and healthy plant that is at least two years old. The best time to take the cuttings is during its dormant period in late fall or early winter. The cuttings should be 6-8 inches long and should have at least three nodes. The leaves on the lower half of the cutting should be removed, leaving only one or two sets of leaves at the top.
Rooting the Cuttings
The cuttings should be dipped into a rooting hormone and then placed into a soilless mix of peat moss and perlite. The cuttings should be kept in an area with high humidity and warm temperatures between 70-80°F. Intermittent mist should be used to keep the cuttings moist but not overly wet.
The rooting process may take up to 8-10 weeks. Once roots have developed, the cuttings can be transplanted into individual containers with a well-draining soil mix.
Care for Newly Propagated Plants
Newly propagated plants should be kept in an area with bright, filtered light and should be protected from direct sunlight. Watering should be done when the soil is slightly dry to the touch, and fertilization should begin once the plant has become well-established.
With proper care and management, wana can be successfully propagated through stem cuttings and grown into healthy and productive plants.
Disease and Pest Management for Pelea clusiifolia Gray ssp. dumosa (Rock) B.C. Stone
As with any plant, Pelea clusiifolia Gray ssp. dumosa (Rock) B.C. Stone is susceptible to certain diseases and pests. Here is a list of some common threats to this plant and ways to manage them.
Diseases
One disease that can affect Pelea clusiifolia Gray ssp. dumosa is powdery mildew. This fungal disease appears as a white, powdery substance on the leaves. To manage powdery mildew, you can spray the plant with a fungicide. Another disease that can affect this plant is leaf spot, which is caused by a fungus and appears as brown or black spots on the leaves. To manage leaf spot, you can prune affected leaves and spray the plant with a fungicide.
Pests
In addition to diseases, Pelea clusiifolia Gray ssp. dumosa is also susceptible to pest infestations. One pest that can affect this plant is the mealybug, which appears as small, white, cottony masses on the plant. To manage mealybugs, you can spray the plant with insecticidal soap or prune affected leaves. Another pest that can affect this plant is spider mites, which appear as tiny, spider-like creatures on the plant. To manage spider mites, you can spray the plant with a miticide or prune affected leaves.
By being aware of these common diseases and pests and taking proactive measures to manage them, you can help keep your Pelea clusiifolia Gray ssp. dumosa healthy and thriving.
