Origin and Common Names
Pelea volcanica Gray var. kohalae B.C. Stone, commonly known as a Hawaiian Strangling Tree, is a species of flowering plant in the citrus family (Rutaceae) that is endemic to Hawaii. It is a small to medium-sized tree that is commonly found in dry forests, cliffs, and steep rocky slopes.
General Appearance
The Hawaiian Strangling Tree can grow up to 11 - 33 feet tall, with a trunk diameter of 3.3 inches. The bark is rough, grey or brown and the young branches are a bright green or yellowish-green. Its leaves are shiny, ovate-oblong, and up to 5 inches long and 2 inches wide, with a pointed tip and a tapered base. The flowers are small, white or green and located in clusters at the base of the leaves.
Uses
The Hawaiian Strangling Tree has several uses in traditional Hawaiian medicine, where its leaves and bark are used for their anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. The tree is also used for its wood, which is strong and durable, commonly used for construction, carving, and for making utensils. Its fruit is also edible and used in jams and jellies.
The Hawaiian Strangling Tree is an important part of Hawaiian folklore and culture and has significant cultural and spiritual value. The tree is believed to represent the god K? and is associated with strength and resilience.
Growth Conditions for Pelea volcanica Gray var. kohalae B.C. Stone
Light: Pelea volcanica Gray var. kohalae B.C. Stone requires full sun to partial shade for optimal growth. It is important to avoid direct sunlight in the hottest part of the day as this may cause leaf scorching. In its natural habitat, it typically grows under the canopy of larger trees, which provides it with dappled sunlight.
Temperature: This plant prefers warm and humid conditions. It thrives in temperatures ranging from 60°-85°F and is highly intolerant of frost. It is best suited to grow in USDA hardiness zones 10a-11, where the minimum winter temperature is above 30°F.
Soil: Pelea volcanica Gray var. kohalae B.C. Stone prefers well-draining soils with a pH range of neutral to slightly acidic. It grows well in loamy soils that are rich in organic matter. Good drainage is important as the plant does not tolerate waterlogged soils. Soils that are rich in perlite and pumice are ideal as they provide adequate drainage and aeration.
Water: Regular watering is important for Pelea volcanica Gray var. kohalae B.C. Stone. It thrives in moist soils and requires an average of 1-2 inches of water per week. Watering should be done in the morning to allow adequate time for the foliage to dry off before nightfall.
Fertilizer: While Pelea volcanica Gray var. kohalae B.C. Stone does not require excessive fertilization, it benefits from regular feeding during the growing season. A balanced fertilizer with an NPK ratio of 10-10-10 or 20-20-20 can be used every 2-4 weeks during the growing season. Fertilizer applications should be reduced or stopped during the winter months when the plant is dormant.
Cultivation of Pelea volcanica Gray var. kohalae B.C. Stone
Pelea volcanica Gray var. kohalae B.C. Stone is a plant that is native to Hawaii and can be cultivated both indoors and outdoors. This plant requires a warm climate and bright light. For indoor cultivation, it is advisable to place the plant near a window that receives direct sunlight. For outdoor cultivation, a well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter is essential. Plant the peppermint tree in a location that receives bright light but also provides some shade during the hottest parts of the day.
Watering Needs of Pelea volcanica Gray var. kohalae B.C. Stone
When it comes to watering Pelea volcanica Gray var. kohalae B.C. Stone, it is important to avoid overwatering the plant. The plant prefers a moist but well-drained soil. Watering the plant once a week is usually sufficient. To avoid waterlogging the plant, make sure that the soil has proper drainage. During long periods of drought, it is crucial to supplement the plant with extra water to ensure its survival.
Fertilization of Pelea volcanica Gray var. kohalae B.C. Stone
Fertilization is essential in promoting the growth of Pelea volcanica Gray var. kohalae B.C. Stone. The plant prefers a balanced fertilizer that is rich in nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Fertilize the plant every 2-3 months during the growing season. Avoid over-fertilizing to prevent the buildup of salts in the soil, which can damage the plant roots.
Pruning of Pelea volcanica Gray var. kohalae B.C. Stone
Pruning is crucial to shape and maintain the health of Pelea volcanica Gray var. kohalae B.C. Stone. The plant is usually pruned after the flowering period ends. It is advisable to remove any dead or diseased branches and leaves to promote healthy growth. Cut back the stems to the desired length to promote the development of new growth.
Propagation of Pelea volcanica Gray var. kohalae B.C. Stone
Pelea volcanica Gray var. kohalae B.C. Stone, commonly known as Kohala rock pelea, is a rare plant species that is endemic to Hawaii. It is classified as a shrub and can grow up to 15 feet tall. Propagation of this plant species can be done by two main methods: through seed or vegetative propagation.
Propagation by Seed
Propagation by seed is a common method that involves planting the seeds of the plant in a suitable location. To start, the seeds should be collected from a mature and healthy plant. After harvesting the seeds, they should be cleaned and dried before planting. The seeds should then be planted in a well-draining soil mix and placed in a shaded location with consistent moisture. Germination usually occurs within 1-3 months.
Vegetative Propagation
Vegetative propagation is another method of propagating Kohala rock pelea. It involves taking cuttings from a healthy plant and rooting them in a suitable environment. The cuttings should be taken from new growth, and the leaves should be trimmed to reduce water loss. The cuttings should then be planted in a well-draining soil mix and placed in a shaded location with consistent moisture. Rooting usually occurs within 2-3 months.
Another vegetative propagation method for Kohala rock pelea is layering. It involves bending a low hanging branch to the ground and burying a portion of the stem. The buried portion of the stem will eventually produce roots, and once they have developed, the stem can be cut from the parent plant and transplanted into a new container or location.
Overall, Kohala rock pelea is a beautiful and rare plant species that can be propagated by seed or vegetative methods. These methods can help to preserve the species and make it more accessible for gardeners and plant enthusiasts.
Disease and Pest Management for Pelea Volcanica Gray Var. Kohalae B.C. Stone
Despite its hardiness and tolerance to harsh environmental conditions, Pelea volcanica Gray var. kohalae B.C. Stone is susceptible to a few diseases and pests. Therefore, proper disease and pest management practices are essential to ensure the plant's productivity and longevity.
Common Diseases
One of the most common diseases affecting Pelea volcanica Gray var. kohalae B.C. Stone is fungal leaf spot. This disease appears as small brown spots on the leaves and can cause defoliation if left untreated. To manage this disease, remove and dispose of infected leaves and apply a copper-based fungicide to the foliage. Another fungal disease that can affect this plant is root rot. Root rot is caused by overwatering and poorly drained soil. To avoid root rot, ensure that the soil is well-draining and that the plant is not overwatered.
Common Pests
The most common pests that attack Pelea volcanica Gray var. kohalae B.C. Stone are scale insects, mealybugs, and spider mites. These pests feed on the sap of the plant, leading to yellowing and wilting of the leaves, stunted growth, and eventually death. Scale insects and mealybugs can be controlled by using insecticidal soap or neem oil. Spider mites, on the other hand, can be controlled by increasing the humidity levels around the plant and using insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Preventive Measures
Prevention is key when it comes to disease and pest management. Here are a few preventive measures that can be taken to keep Pelea volcanica Gray var. kohalae B.C. Stone healthy:
- Plant the tree in well-draining soil.
- Avoid overwatering the plant.
- Provide adequate sun exposure and air circulation.
- Prune any dead or diseased branches immediately.
- Regularly inspect the plant for signs of diseases and pests.
- Clean and sterilize any garden tools before and after use.
- Remove any fallen leaves or debris around the plant.
