Overview
Phyllostegia macrophylla (Gaud.) Benth. var. phytolaccoides Sherff is a plant species that belongs to the family Lamiaceae. It is commonly known as "grounded mint" or "minty stinkwort". This plant species is endemic to the Hawaiian islands where it grows naturally at elevations ranging from 600 to 1800 meters.Appearance
Phyllostegia macrophylla (Gaud.) Benth. var. phytolaccoides Sherff is a herbaceous shrub that can grow up to 1.5 meters in height. It has a bushy growth habit and its leaves are fragrant, aromatic, and large, measuring up to 10cm in length and 4 cm in width. The plant's stems are erect and woody, and its flowers are small, tubular, and light purple in color.Uses
The fragrant leaves and stems of Phyllostegia macrophylla (Gaud.) Benth. var. phytolaccoides Sherff have been traditionally used by Hawaiians for cooking and medicinal purposes. The plant's leaves and stems can be used as a natural insect repellent and for alleviating respiratory problems such as colds and coughs. The plant is also a source of essential oils that are used for flavoring foods and making perfumes. In modern times, Phyllostegia macrophylla (Gaud.) Benth. var. phytolaccoides Sherff is being studied for its potential as an alternative remedy for various ailments, including headaches, nausea, and skin irritations. As a result, the plant has great commercial value for its medicinal properties and aroma.Conservation Status
Phyllostegia macrophylla (Gaud.) Benth. var. phytolaccoides Sherff is an endangered species in the wild, with only a few populations remaining on the island of O‘ahu. The plant is threatened by habitat destruction, overgrazing, and competition from invasive plant species. The State of Hawaii has placed Phyllostegia macrophylla (Gaud.) Benth. var. phytolaccoides Sherff under protective status, and efforts are being made to conserve the remaining populations of this species.Light Requirements
Phyllostegia macrophylla var. phytolaccoides prefers full sun to partial shade. A well-lit area, with at least 6 hours of sunlight daily, is ideal for the plant to thrive. Insufficient light can lead to stunted growth and reduced flowering.
Temperature Requirements
The plant prefers warm temperature conditions to grow. The ideal temperature range is between 65-80°F (18-27°C). Extreme temperatures and frost can damage the plant. In colder regions, the plant can be grown indoors or in a temperature-controlled greenhouse.
Soil Requirements
The plant requires well-draining soil with a pH range of 6.0-6.5. The soil should be rich in organic matter and have good water retention capabilities. A soil mixture of peat moss, perlite, and vermiculite in equal proportions can provide an ideal growth environment. The addition of compost can provide essential nutrients to the plant.
Cultivation methods
Phyllostegia macrophylla (Gaud.) Benth. var. phytolaccoides Sherff plant can be grown in full sun or partial shade, but it prefers a sunny location. The plant can grow up to 4-6 feet tall and requires well-drained soil. The plant needs to be watered regularly, especially during the dry season.
Watering needs
The Phyllostegia macrophylla (Gaud.) Benth. var. phytolaccoides Sherff plant requires an adequate water supply for optimum growth. The plant should be watered when the soil is dry to the touch. During the summer season, the plant needs frequent watering to keep the soil moist, but be careful not to overwater the plant as this can lead to root rot.
Fertilization
For the Phyllostegia macrophylla (Gaud.) Benth. var. phytolaccoides Sherff plant to flower and grow well, it needs proper fertilization. Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer that provides nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Fertilize the plant during the growing season every two weeks. Avoid over-fertilizing the plant as this can damage the roots.
Pruning
Pruning the Phyllostegia macrophylla (Gaud.) Benth. var. phytolaccoides Sherff plant is crucial to maintain its shape and promote dense growth. Prune the plant early in the spring to remove any damaged, diseased or dead stems. Pinch the tips of the stems to promote branching and bushy growth. Regular pruning will help to keep the plant healthy, vigorous, and attractive.
Propagation of Phyllostegia Macrophylla Var. Phytolaccoides Sherff
Phyllostegia Macrophylla Var. Phytolaccoides Sherff, commonly known as the tufted phyllostegia, is a perennial herbaceous plant that is native to Hawaii. Propagation is the process of creating new plants by different means, including seeds, cuttings, layering, division, or tissue culture. In the case of Phyllostegia Macrophylla Var. Phytolaccoides Sherff, the propagation methods include seed germination, stem cuttings, and division.
Seed Germination
The seeds of Phyllostegia Macrophylla Var. Phytolaccoides Sherff can be sown in pots or trays filled with a good quality potting mix. The seedlings will emerge in two to three weeks. It is advisable to transplant the seedlings into individual pots once they reach a reasonable size and are strong enough to handle. The pots should be kept in a warm and well-lit area, preferably under partial shade, until it is safe to plant them in the garden. Seed germination can take a while, and the process may be unreliable.
Stem Cuttings
Another propagative method for Phyllostegia Macrophylla Var. Phytolaccoides Sherff is stem cuttings. Using clean and sharp scissors or a knife, cut a healthy stem from the parent plant, ensuring that it has one or two nodes. The cutting should be about four to six inches long. Dip the end of the stem cutting into rooting hormone powder to encourage rooting before planting it in moist soil. Stem cuttings can root in two to four weeks and can be transplanted once the root system is well established.
Division
Propagation through division is ideal for mature plants. In the case of Phyllostegia Macrophylla Var. Phytolaccoides Sherff, it requires dividing the plant into two or more sections. Carefully dig up the parent plant and separate the individual sections with a clean and sharp knife, ensuring that each section has roots. Replant the divided sections into a well-prepared bed or individual pots with good quality potting mix. It is advisable to water the newly planted divisions and keep them well-moistened but not soaking to encourage root development.
Disease Management
The Phyllostegia macrophylla (Gaud.) Benth. var. phytolaccoides Sherff is subject to different types of diseases that can affect its growth and productivity. The most common ones are root rot, powdery mildew, and leaf blight.
Root rot can be caused by fungi that exist in the soil. To prevent it, it is essential to use well-drained soil to avoid creating an environment that is favorable for fungi growth. Additionally, the use of fungicides can be helpful, such as Vinclozolin, which is effective against Rhizoctonia solani that causes root rot.
Powdery mildew is another disease that affects this plant. It creates a white powdery fungal layer that appears on the upper side of the leaves and causes them to wilt. To control it, one can use sulfur-based fungicides, or copper-based fungicides, such as copper oxychloride or copper sulfate.
Finally, leaf blight is a disease that causes yellow or brown spots on the leaves, reducing the plant's photosynthetic capacity. To prevent it, the use of fungicides can be useful, as well as the removal of the already infected leaves and their proper disposal.
Pest Management
Besides diseases, this plant is also susceptible to several pests that can damage the plant and hinder its development. The most common pests for this plant are Scale insects and Greenhouse whiteflies.
Scale insects are small oval insects with no wings. They attach themselves to the stems and leaves, sucking the plant's sap and leaving a sticky residue that attracts mold development. To control this pest, various methods can be applied such as the use of insecticidal soaps and oils, or neem extracts, which can be sprayed on the plant's surface. Additionally, a strong stream of water can also be used to remove these insects from the plant.
Greenhouse whiteflies are another issue that affects this plant. These small whiteflies suck the plant's sap, leaving droplets of honeydew on the leaves, which later attracts ants. To control this pest, one can use various methods such as hanging yellow sticky traps that attract whiteflies, using insecticidal soaps and oils, or applying neem extracts to the plant's surface. Additionally, strong water streams can be used to remove these insects from the plant.
