Overview of Pelea descendens St. John
Pelea descendens St. John is a species of flowering plant that belongs to the family Rutaceae. This plant is native to the island of Hawaii in the United States, where it can be found growing in dry and mesic forests at elevations between 600 and 1,100 meters.
Common Names
This plant has several common names, including "aiea", "hoawa", and "Hawaiian wild lime".
General Appearance
Pelea descendens St. John is a small tree or shrub that can grow up to 6 meters in height. The leaves of this plant are lance-shaped and glossy, with a length of about 10 to 20 centimeters. The flowers are small and greenish-yellow in color, and they bloom in clusters during the summer months. The fruits of this plant are small, round, and green, and they are about 1 centimeter in diameter.
Uses
Indigenous Hawaiians used various parts of Pelea descendens St. John for medicinal purposes. They used the bark to treat stomach pains and diarrhea, while the leaves were used to soothe coughs and sore throats. The fruits of this plant were also consumed, either raw or cooked, and they were used to flavor traditional Hawaiian dishes, such as sauces and fish dishes.
Today, Pelea descendens St. John is mainly used as an ornamental plant in gardens and parks due to its attractive appearance. This plant is also of interest to botanists and horticulturists due to its unique characteristics and the fact that it is only found in Hawaii.
Light Requirements
Pelea descendens St. John typically prefers bright, filtered light. Direct sunlight should be avoided as it may damage the plant's leaves. A good location for the plant would be near a window with a sheer curtain to filter out direct sunlight.
Temperature Requirements
The plant does well in moderate temperatures between 60-75°F (15-24°C). It is not frost-tolerant and should be kept away from cold drafts and temperatures below 50°F (10°C).
Soil Requirements
The ideal soil for Pelea descendens St. John is well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. The pH level should be between 5.5-6.5. The plant prefers soil that is kept moist, but not waterlogged. It is important to note that the plant may not do well in heavy clay soil.
Cultivation of Pelea Descendens St. John
Cultivating Pelea Descendens St. John requires planting the plant in well-drained soil with good aeration. The plant prefers a semi-shaded position in the garden and can tolerate a wide variety of climatic conditions, including drought.
Watering Needs
Pealea Descendens St. John requires moderate watering. It would help if you watered the plant once every two days during summer and once a week during winter. The amount of water required depends on the humidity and temperature of the environment.
Fertilization
The plant requires frequent fertilization to thrive. You should add a balanced fertilizer to the plant at least once every three months. Organic fertilizers such as compost or manure are ideal for the plant as they provide extra nutrients required for the plant's growth.
Pruning
Pruning promotes the growth of new branches, resulting in a fuller and healthier plant. Pealea Descendens St. John requires pruning at least once a year to remove any dead branches or leaves. During pruning, use clean and sharp equipment to avoid damaging the plant.
Propagation of Pelea descendens St. John
Pelea descendens St. John, commonly known as the Maui orange pelea, is a species of flowering plant that belongs to the citrus family, Rutaceae. It is a rare plant species that can only be found on the islands of Maui and Moloka'i in Hawaii.
The propagation methods of Pelea descendens St. John include:
Seed Propagation
The most common propagation method for Pelea descendens St. John is through seed propagation. However, this method is not always successful due to the plant's low seed germination rate. The seeds should be harvested when they are dark brown and fully matured. They should then be planted in soil mixed with sand and organic matter and kept moist under high humidity conditions. Germination may occur between six months to one year.
Cuttings Propagation
Propagation through cuttings is also possible but not as effective as seed propagation. The cuttings should be taken from young shoots in the spring or summer and should be approximately 4 inches long with 2-3 leaves attached at the tip. The cuttings should then be treated with rooting hormone and planted in a rooting medium containing peat and perlite. They should be covered and kept in a warm, humid location until roots develop, which may take around 3-6 months.
Air Layering Propagation
Air layering is an effective but less common propagation method for Pelea descendens St. John. This method involves creating a cut on a stem of the plant, removing a section of the bark, and covering it with rooting hormone and sphagnum moss. The moss should then be wrapped with plastic to create a humid environment. Roots should develop within a few months and the rooted section can then be planted in soil.
Disease and Pest Management for Pelea Descendens St. John
Pelea Descendens St. John can be prone to certain diseases and pests that can negatively impact its growth and health. Here are some common problems and ways to manage them:
Diseases:
Leaf spot: This is a fungal disease that often appears as circular, dark brown or black spots on the leaves. It can be caused by wet conditions or poor air circulation. To manage leaf spot, remove any infected leaves and avoid getting water on the foliage. A fungicide can also be applied if necessary.
Root rot: This is a fungal disease that can affect the roots, causing them to turn brown or black and become mushy. Root rot is often caused by overwatering or poorly draining soil. To manage root rot, remove any infected roots and ensure that the soil is well-draining. Reduce watering frequency if necessary.
Pests:
Scale insects: These small, oval insects often appear as bumps on the undersides of the leaves. They can cause yellowing and distortion of the foliage. To manage scale insects, prune off heavily infected branches and apply an insecticidal soap or horticultural oil to the remaining foliage.
Spider mites: These tiny pests can cause yellowing and webbing on the leaves. They thrive in dry environments. To manage spider mites, increase the humidity around the plant and regularly mist the foliage. An insecticidal soap or horticultural oil can also be applied to control populations.
Regular monitoring and maintenance can help prevent and manage diseases and pest infestations on Pelea Descendens St. John.
