Origin of Pelea paloloensis St. John
Pelea paloloensis St. John is a flowering plant that belongs to the family Rutaceae, which is native to Samoa in the South Pacific. It was first discovered and described by the American botanist, Harold St. John, in 1944. The plant is endemic to Samoa and is found only in the Palolo Valley on Upolu Island.Common Names of Pelea paloloensis St. John
Pelea paloloensis St. John is commonly known as Palolo Pelea or Palolo Wood. It gets its name from its endemic location in the Palolo Valley of Samoa. The plant is also known by its scientific name, Pelea paloloensis.Uses of Pelea paloloensis St. John
Pelea paloloensis St. John has no known medicinal or economic uses. However, the plant is highly valued by locals as it plays an important role in Samoan culture and mythology. According to legend, the Palolo Pelea tree is associated with the goblin, Palolo, who is believed to inhabit the Palolo Valley. It is also used as a shade tree in gardens and on roadsides.General Appearance of Pelea paloloensis St. John
Pelea paloloensis St. John is a small to medium-sized tree that can grow up to 15 meters in height. The trunk has a dark brown color and is smooth. The leaves are compound with 5 to 9 shiny green leaflets that are ovate or elliptic in shape. The flowers are small and yellowish-green in color, and they bloom in clusters from the leaf axils. The fruit is a small, round, and brown capsule that contains several seeds. The tree has a generally pyramidal shape with a dense crown. Overall, Pelea paloloensis St. John is a beautiful, ornamental tree that adds to the natural beauty of Samoa.Light Requirements
Pelea paloloensis St. John typically grows best in full sunlight or partial shade. This plant can tolerate direct sunlight, but it is best to avoid exposing it to direct sunlight during the hottest part of the day to prevent scorching. Partial shade is ideal for the plant because it balances the light received and protects the plant from excessive heat and radiation.
Temperature Requirements
Pelea paloloensis St. John grows best in warm to hot temperatures. The plant can tolerate temperatures from 10°C (50°F) to 35°C (95°F); however, it prefers temperatures from 20°C (68°F) to 30°C (86°F). Temperatures lower than 10°C (50°F) can be too cold for the plant, causing stunted growth or even death, while temperatures above 35°C (95°F) can cause the plant to suffer from heat stress.
Soil Requirements
The soil for Pelea paloloensis St. John should be well-draining, rich in organic matter and nutrients, and have a pH level of 5.5 to 7.5. The plant prefers loamy soil that is not too compact or too sandy. The soil should retain enough moisture to keep the plant hydrated but should not be waterlogged. A mixture of topsoil, peat moss, and perlite would provide the desired soil texture and drainage for the plant.
Cultivation of Pelea paloloensis St. John
Pelea paloloensis St. John is a relatively rare plant that is found in the Hawaiian archipelago. Cultivating it can be challenging because it has specific requirements that need to be met for it to grow and thrive. The plant prefers to grow in a warm and humid environment, in well-draining soils. It is a slow-growing plant that can take years to mature and bloom.
Watering Needs of Pelea paloloensis St. John
The watering needs of Pelea paloloensis St. John depend on the environment in which it is growing. The plant requires consistent moisture but can't tolerate waterlogging or drought. Overwatering can lead to root rot, which can kill the plant. Therefore, it is essential to water the plant regularly but allow the soil to dry out slightly between watering. If the plant is growing in a pot, ensure that there are drainage holes to allow excess water to drain.
Fertilization of Pelea paloloensis St. John
Pelea paloloensis St. John requires regular fertilization to maintain healthy growth. It is recommended that the plant is fertilized every two weeks during the growing season, which is usually from spring to fall. Use a balanced fertilizer that contains equal amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Follow the manufacturer's instructions to avoid overfertilizing, which can harm the plant.
Pruning of Pelea paloloensis St. John
Pruning Pelea paloloensis St. John is generally not necessary, except to remove dead or damaged growth. It is best to prune in the late winter or early spring before new growth starts. When removing growth, use sterilized pruning shears to prevent the spread of disease. If the plant is growing in an unnatural shape, it can be lightly pruned to encourage branching and a more symmetrical growth habit. Avoid heavy pruning that removes more than ? of the plant's growth as it can cause stress and slow recovery.
Propagation of Pelea paloloensis St. John
Pelea paloloensis St. John, also known as Hawaiian pelea, is a rare plant species found only in a small region of Hawaii. Due to its limited distribution, it is highly sought after by plant collectors and horticulturists. Propagation of this plant can be done through several methods, including seed propagation, stem cuttings, and air layering.
Seed Propagation
The most common method of propagation for Pelea paloloensis St. John is seed propagation. The best time to gather seeds is during the summer months, when the plant produces large clusters of small, greenish-white flowers that develop into small capsules containing tiny seeds. These capsules should be collected before they split open and the seeds are lost. The seeds must be sown immediately after collection, as they have no dormancy period. Germination usually occurs within two weeks under optimal conditions, which consist of moist potting soil and bright, indirect light. Once the seeds have sprouted, the seedlings should be carefully transplanted into individual containers.
Stem Cuttings
Pelea paloloensis St. John can also be propagated through stem cuttings, although this method is less reliable than seed propagation. Stem cuttings should be taken from new growth that is at least 4 inches long and has 3-4 leaves. The cuttings should be dipped in rooting hormone and planted in moist soil mixed with sand and peat moss. The container should be covered with plastic to create a humid environment and placed in partial shade. The cuttings should be watered regularly and kept in a warm location with bright, indirect light. Rooting can occur within 2-3 months.
Air Layering
Another propagation method for Pelea paloloensis St. John is air layering. This method involves making a small incision about halfway through a stem and then wrapping wet sphagnum moss around the wound. The moss should be covered with plastic wrap and sealed on both ends to retain moisture. Roots will grow into the moist moss within 2-3 months, at which point the rooted section can be cut off and planted in soil. This method is useful for propagating plant specimens that are difficult to propagate through other methods.
Disease and Pest Management for Pelea paloloensis St. John
Pelea paloloensis, commonly known as Palolo, is an endemic plant species found in Samoa. Although this plant is relatively resistant to diseases and pests, there is still a chance for it to be attacked by some common garden pests and diseases. Proper disease and pest management practices can help to prevent and control these issues to keep the plant healthy.
Common Diseases
Anthracnose is a common fungal disease that can affect Pelea paloloensis. It displays symptoms such as black to brown lesions on leaves, stem, and flowers. Powdery mildew is another common fungal disease that causes a white powdery coating on leaves. Root rot is yet another fungal disease caused by overwatering and poorly drained soils.
Pest Management
The plant is occasionally attacked by pests such as spider mites, mealybugs, and scale insects. These pests slow down the plant's growth and development, causing yellowing or browning of leaves, stunting, and distortion of new growth.
Controlling pests and diseases can be accomplished with proper pruning, sanitation, and cultural practices. Make sure you prune away and dispose of infested material as soon as possible to prevent the spread of disease. Ensure the plant's environmental conditions are optimal, serving to promote growth and to avoid causing stress that can make the plant susceptible to pests and diseases.
Removing any plant debris and weekly checking on the plants they are healthy can help to keep pests under control. If pests are present, they can be washed off with water or treated with a neem oil solution.
Overall, proper pest and disease management involve paying close attention to the environmental conditions of the plant, keeping infested material away from developing plants, and maintaining a garden that promotes the plant's health.
