Pelea wawraeana Rock var. tenuifolia St. John & Hume
Pealea wawraeana Rock var. tenuifolia St. John & Hume, also known as Wawra's small-leaved pelea, is a small evergreen tree that belongs to the Rutaceae family. It is endemic to Hawaii and can be found in the lowland and submontane mesic to wet forests of Kauai, Oahu, Molokai, and Maui.
Common Names
Some common names for Pelea wawraeana Rock var. tenuifolia St. John & Hume include:
- Wawra's small-leaved pelea
- Wawra's pelea
- Wawra's a`e
Uses
Traditionally, Pelea wawraeana Rock var. tenuifolia St. John & Hume was used by native Hawaiians for medicinal purposes to treat stomach and respiratory ailments. They also used it for making kapa, which is the traditional Hawaiian cloth made from the bark of trees. However, due to its small size and scarcity, it is not significantly used nowadays.
General Appearance
Pealea wawraeana Rock var. tenuifolia St. John & Hume is a tree that can reach up to 10 meters in height, but usually, it is smaller and looks like a shrub. Its leaves are small, around 2.5 to 7.5 cm long, and the edges are entire or slightly crenate. The flowers are small, white or yellowish and are clustered in panicles. Its fruit is a capsule that splits open when ripe, releasing numerous reddish-orange seeds.
Overall, Pealea wawraeana Rock var. tenuifolia St. John & Hume is an important part of Hawaiian native flora, and its beauty and uniqueness make it a valuable addition to any tropical landscape.
Typical Growth Conditions of Pelea wawraeana Rock var. tenuifolia St. John & Hume
Light Requirements: Pelea wawraeana Rock var. tenuifolia St. John & Hume prefers partial to full shade. Direct exposure to intense sunlight can cause damage to the plant.
Temperature Requirements: This plant thrives in a warm and humid environment. The ideal temperature range for its growth is between 60-80 degrees Fahrenheit. Extreme changes in temperature should be avoided as it can stunt the growth and development of the plant.
Soil Requirements: Pelea wawraeana Rock var. tenuifolia St. John & Hume grows best in well-draining, moist soil that is rich in organic matter. The soil pH range for this plant is between 5.5-6.5. It is important to avoid water-logged or sandy soil as it can negatively affect the plant's growth.
Fertilizer Requirements: Regular fertilization is necessary for the optimal growth of Pelea wawraeana Rock var. tenuifolia St. John & Hume. A balanced fertilizer with a ratio of 10-10-10 should be applied every 2-3 weeks during the growing season.
Watering Requirements: This plant requires regular watering to maintain healthy growth. The soil should be kept moist but not water-logged. Over-watering can cause root rot and other diseases. It is important to allow the soil to dry slightly between watering.
Cultivation
Pelea wawraeana Rock var. tenuifolia St. John & Hume thrives in warm, tropical climates. It is best grown in well-draining, sandy soil that is slightly acidic. Before planting, ensure that the soil is well-aerated and moist but not waterlogged. This plant requires full sun exposure to grow optimally, and any shade will cause stunted growth.
Watering Needs
Regular watering is essential for the growth and development of Pelea wawraeana Rock var. tenuifolia St. John & Hume. This plant prefers moist soil but can be susceptible to root rot if overwatered. It is recommended to water the plant every other day during the growing season and once a week in the dormant season. Ensure that the topsoil is dry before watering to avoid waterlogged soil.
Fertilization
To boost the growth of Pelea wawraeana Rock var. tenuifolia St. John & Hume, it is essential to fertilize it regularly. Use a balanced fertilizer every two weeks during the growing season, and with a phosphorus-heavy fertilizer once a month in the dormant season. Apply the fertilizer according to the instructions provided by the manufacturer.
Pruning
Pruning is crucial for the healthy growth and development of Pelea wawraeana Rock var. tenuifolia St. John & Hume. This plant benefits from regular pruning to remove damaged, diseased, or dead branches. Prune the plant in the early spring before the growing season begins. Use clean and sharp pruning shears to avoid damaging the surrounding healthy branches.
Propagation of Pelea Wawraeana Rock Var. Tenuifolia St. John & Hume
Propagation of Pelea Wawraeana Rock var. tenuifolia St. John & Hume can be done through various methods. These include:
Seed Propagation
Seeds of Pelea Wawraeana Rock var. tenuifolia St. John & Hume can be planted in trays or pots filled with well-draining soil. It is important to keep the soil moist and provide sufficient sunlight for germination to occur. After the seedlings have developed 2-3 leaves, they can be transplanted into their desired location.
Cuttings Propagation
Cuttings are another method of propagating Pelea Wawraeana Rock var. tenuifolia St. John & Hume. Take 3-4 inch cuttings from healthy plants and dip them in rooting hormone. Place the cuttings in well-draining soil and water them. Keep the soil moist and provide adequate sunlight until the cuttings have developed roots and new leaves. Once they have developed, transplant them into their desired location.
Air Layering Propagation
Air layering can also be used to propagate Pelea Wawraeana Rock var. tenuifolia St. John & Hume. This method involves making a cut in the stem of a healthy plant and wrapping it in damp sphagnum moss. The cut area is then covered with plastic wrap to create a humid environment for the roots to form. After a few weeks, roots should have developed and the stem can be cut and planted in soil.
Propagation of Pelea Wawraeana Rock var. tenuifolia St. John & Hume can be a rewarding experience. Whether it's through seed, cuttings, or air layering, these plants can easily be propagated and grown in different locations.
Disease and Pest Management for Pelea Wawraeana Rock var. Tenuifolia St. John & Hume
Pelea Wawraeana Rock var. Tenuifolia St. John & Hume is a plant that is generally resistant to most diseases and pests. However, there are still some common issues that may affect its growth, health, and aesthetic appeal.
Common Diseases
Bacterial leaf spot and leaf blight are two common diseases that can affect Pelea Wawraeana Rock var. Tenuifolia St. John & Hume. These are caused by bacteria that thrive in warm and humid conditions. Symptoms of bacterial leaf spot include water-soaked spots on the leaves that eventually turn yellow or brown and fall off. The bacterium that causes leaf blight attacks the leaf margins and tips, causing them to turn brown or black.
To manage these diseases, it is important to keep the plant dry and avoid overhead watering. Remove affected leaves and sprays copper-based fungicides to prevent further infection.
Common Pests
The most common pests that may affect Pelea Wawraeana Rock var. Tenuifolia St. John & Hume include spider mites, mealybugs, and scale insects. Spider mites are tiny creatures that feed on plant juices, causing yellow and brown stippling on the leaves. Mealybugs are small, white, cottony pests that suck sap from the plant, causing stunted growth and leaf drop. Scale insects form a hard, protective covering around their bodies, making it difficult to control them with pesticides.
To manage these pests, it is important to practice good sanitation by removing infested plant parts. Treat the plant with insecticidal soap or neem oil to control spider mites and mealybugs. Scale insects can be controlled by brushing them off with a soft-bristled brush or using horticultural oil to smother them.
Regularly inspecting your Pelea Wawraeana Rock var. Tenuifolia St. John & Hume for pests and diseases and taking necessary actions can help keep your plant healthy and thriving.
