Description of Pelea waialealae Wawra var. pubescens Skottsberg
Pelea waialealae Wawra var. pubescens Skottsberg is a rare species of flowering plant belonging to the Rutaceae family. The plant is endemic to Kaua?i Island of Hawaii, USA, and is commonly known as "Wawra'spelea" or " H?h?".
Appearance
Pelea waialealae Wawra var. pubescens Skottsberg is a shrub that can grow up to 4 meters in height. The stems are reddish-brown and smooth to slightly hairy. The leaves are alternate, oval or elliptical in shape, and can grow up to 10 cm long and 5 cm wide. The leaves are thick and leathery, and the surface is glossy dark green with a slightly hairy underside.
The inflorescence of Pelea waialealae Wawra var. pubescens Skottsberg is a cluster of small, yellow, fragrant flowers that bloom from the leaf axils. The flowers have a citrus-like scent and attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies.
The fruit of the plant is a small, round, and fleshy drupe that is greenish-yellow in color. The fruit is edible, and traditional Hawaiian culture used it for medicinal purposes.
Uses
Pelea waialealae Wawra var. pubescens Skottsberg is highly valued for its aromatic leaves, which are used in traditional Hawaiian medicine for treating various ailments such as coughs, colds, and fever. The plant is also used to repel mosquitoes and other insects.
In Hawaii, Pelea waialealae Wawra var. pubescens Skottsberg is also used in landscaping. The plant's dense foliage and fragrant flowers make it an attractive addition to garden landscapes, particularly as a hedge or border plant.
Due to habitat loss and overexploitation, Pelea waialealae Wawra var. pubescens Skottsberg is now considered an endangered species. Conservation efforts are underway to protect and preserve this unique and valuable plant species in its native habitat.
Light Requirements:
Pelea waialealae Wawra var. pubescens Skottsberg requires bright but indirect sunlight. It is best to place the plant near a window that receives sufficient sunlight but avoid direct exposure to the sun as it can lead to the scorching of leaves.
Temperature Requirements:
This plant prefers a warm and humid environment with temperatures ranging between 60-85°F (15-29°C). It cannot tolerate temperatures below 50°F (10°C) and exposure to cold drafts. Ensure that the plant is kept in a warm spot and away from air conditioning or heating vents.
Soil Requirements:
Pelea waialealae Wawra var. pubescens Skottsberg prefers well-draining soil that is loose, rich in organic matter, and slightly acidic. A good potting mix for this plant should contain peat moss, perlite, and coarse sand in equal proportions. Avoid using heavy soil or soil that is prone to waterlogging as this can lead to root rot.
Cultivation
The Pelea waialealae Wawra var. pubescens Skottsberg plant requires a suitable potting mix with good drainage. It prefers a partial shaded area where it can get filtered sunlight. This plant requires warm temperatures and high humidity for its ideal growth. It is also essential to avoid exposure to direct sunlight and temperature below 60°F or 15.5°C.
Watering Needs
This plant requires frequent watering but cannot tolerate any standing water on the soil surface. It prefers slightly moist soil, and it's ideal to keep the soil damp but not soggy. A regular watering schedule can be established, but it should not be too frequent. Overwatering or underwatering can harm the plant.
Fertilization
The Pelea waialealae Wawra var. pubescens Skottsberg plant should be fertilized once in every two months during the growing period using a balanced fertilizer. It is better to use a water-soluble fertilizer with a 20-20-20 ratio of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium.
Pruning
Pruning is not required often, but undesired damage or broken stems should be pruned away to restore the beauty of the plant. Sanitizing the gardening shears before pruning can prevent the spread of diseases. Pruning should be done preferably during the spring season.
Propagation of Pelea waialealae Wawra var. pubescens Skottsberg
Pelea waialealae Wawra var. pubescens Skottsberg, also known as the hairy nehe, is a rare Hawaiian shrub. It is endemic to the island of Kauai and is part of the Rutaceae or citrus family. Propagation of this plant can be done through various methods.
Seed Propagation
The easiest method of propagation for Pelea waialealae Wawra var. pubescens Skottsberg is through seed propagation. Collect the ripe seeds from the plant in late summer or early fall and air dry. Once dry, sow the seeds in a seedling tray filled with a well-draining soil mix. Keep the soil moist and in a warm, brightly lit area. Germination should take place within 2 to 4 weeks.
Cuttings Propagation
Propagation through cuttings can be done using both softwood and semi-hardwood cuttings. Softwood cuttings are harvested in the spring and summer when the new growth is still soft, while semi-hardwood cuttings are harvested in late summer or early fall when the growth has started to harden. Cuttings should be taken from the new growth, about 4 inches long, and with at least 2 to 3 leaves. Dip the cuttings in a rooting hormone and plant them in a well-draining soil mix. Keep the cuttings moist and place them in a bright but indirect light. Roots should start forming within 3 to 4 weeks, and the plant can be transplanted to a pot or directly into the garden.
Air Layering Propagation
Air layering is another method of propagation that can be used for Pelea waialealae Wawra var. pubescens Skottsberg. This method involves wounding the stem and then encouraging roots to form at the point of injury. Choose a branch that is at least 1 year old and has no flowers or fruit. Choose a point along the branch where you want the roots to form and make a small cut all around the branch, about 1/3 of the way through. Apply rooting hormone to the wound and wrap it with damp sphagnum moss. Cover the moss with plastic wrap and secure it with tape. The newly formed roots should be visible in 3 to 4 months, and the plant can be transplanted once they are visible.
Propagation of Pelea waialealae Wawra var. pubescens Skottsberg can be done at any time during the growing season. The newly formed plants can be moved to the garden after they have established a good root system.
Disease and Pest Management for Pelea waialealae Wawra var. pubescens Skottsberg
Pelea waialealae Wawra var. pubescens Skottsberg, also known as the Hawaiian Pelea, is a rare plant species endemic to Hawaii. As with most plants, the Hawaiian Pelea is not exempted from diseases and pests that can cause damage to the plant. Here are some common diseases and pests that might affect the plant and ways to manage them.
Common Diseases
The Hawaiian Pelea is susceptible to different kinds of diseases including:
- Fungal Leaf Spots: These are small, circular spots that appear on the leaves of the plant. They are caused by different kinds of fungi and are usually aggravated by high humidity and poor airflow. The best way to manage fungal leaf spots is to prune the affected leaves and increase ventilation around the plant.
- Root Rot: This is a disease that affects the roots of the plant. It is caused by overwatering, poor drainage, and soil-borne fungi. To prevent root rot, it is essential to provide adequate drainage and avoid overwatering the plant. If the plant is already affected, the sick parts must be removed, and the plant must be replanted in fresh soil.
- Powdery Mildew: This is a fungal disease that appears as a white powdery substance on the plant's leaves. It is caused by high humidity, poor ventilation, and overcrowding. To manage powdery mildew, prune the affected parts of the plant and increase ventilation and sunlight. Using fungicides can also help manage the disease.
Common Pests
The Hawaiian Pelea can also be affected by different kinds of pests including:
- Aphids: These are small insects that feed on the sap of the plant. They usually appear in large groups and can cause severe damage to the plant. To manage aphids, use insecticidal soap or neem oil to kill them. Prune the affected parts of the plant if necessary.
- Spider Mites: These are tiny pests that appear as small dots on the leaves of the plant. They are usually found in dry environments and can cause leaf damage and discoloration. To manage spider mites, increase humidity around the plant by misting it regularly. Insecticidal soap or neem oil can also help kill the pests.
- Mealybugs: These are small, white insects that appear as cottony masses on the plant's leaves. They feed on the sap of the plant and can cause damage to the foliage. To manage mealybugs, use a cotton swab dipped in alcohol to remove them from the plant. Insecticidal soap or neem oil can also help control the infestation.
Regular monitoring and proper hygiene practices can help prevent and manage diseases and pests affecting the Hawaiian Pelea. It is also essential to practice proper irrigation techniques and provide the plant with optimal growing conditions.
