Origin
Pittosporum kauaiense Hbd. var. phaeocarpum Sherff, commonly known as Ho`awa or Kauai Pittosporum, is a flowering plant endemic to the island of Kauai in Hawaii.
Common Names
Ho`awa or Kauai Pittosporum
Uses
In traditional Hawaiian medicine, the bark and leaves of Ho`awa were used to treat a variety of ailments such as stomachaches, sore throats, and headaches. Additionally, the hard, dense wood of the tree was used to make tools and weapons.
General Appearance
Ho`awa is a small tree or shrub that can grow up to 20 feet tall. It has glossy, dark green leaves that are arranged in pairs along the stem, and small, fragrant flowers that are typically white or cream-colored. The fruit of the tree is a dark brown capsule that contains numerous seeds. The bark of the tree is smooth and grayish-brown in color.
Light Requirements
Pittosporum kauaiense Hbd. var. phaeocarpum Sherff prefers to grow in full sun to partial shade. It can tolerate some shade, but too much shade will lead to leggy growth and reduced flowering.
Temperature Requirements
Pittosporum kauaiense Hbd. var. phaeocarpum Sherff is native to Hawaii and therefore thrives in warm temperatures. It grow best in USDA zones 11-12 where the temperature is consistently above 50°F. It can survive occasional dips in temperature, but prolonged exposure to cold weather can damage it.
Soil Requirements
Pittosporum kauaiense Hbd. var. phaeocarpum Sherff prefers a well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. It can tolerate a range of soil types from sandy to loamy, but it should not be planted in heavy clay soils. A pH range of 6.0 to 7.0 is perfect for this plant.
Cultivation
Pittosporum kauaiense Hbd. var. phaeocarpum Sherff can be grown in both full sun and partial shade, but it prefers shady areas in hot climates. It is best to grow it in well-drained soil with a pH between 5.0 and 7.5. This plant is easy to grow and can tolerate mild frost.
Watering
This plant requires regular but moderate watering. Water the plant once or twice a week during the growing season and reduce watering during the dormant period. The soil should be moist but not waterlogged.
Fertilization
It is recommended to fertilize Pittosporum kauaiense Hbd. var. phaeocarpum Sherff twice a year, once in the spring and once in the fall. Fertilize using a balanced fertilizer for shrubs and trees. Do not apply too much fertilizer as it can cause damage to the plant.
Pruning
This plant requires minimal pruning. Prune to remove any dead, damaged, or diseased branches. Prune during the dormant season or in the spring before new growth appears. Avoid pruning too much or too often as it can affect the plant's natural form and growth.
Propagation of Pittosporum kauaiense Hbd. var. phaeocarpum Sherff
Pittosporum kauaiense Hbd. var. phaeocarpum Sherff, commonly known as Kauai pittosporum, is a slow-growing, dense, evergreen shrub that is native to Hawaii. It can reach up to 10 feet high and 8 feet wide. The plant is quite hardy and can be propagated through several methods:
Seed Propagation
Kauai pittosporum can be propagated from seeds, which should be harvested when the capsules are brown and starting to open. The seeds need to be cleaned and soaked in water for 24 hours before sowing. Sow the seeds in a seed tray filled with well-draining soil, making sure to cover them with a thin layer of soil. Water the tray well and keep it in a warm, bright location. Germination can take up to six weeks. When the new plants are established, transplant them to individual containers before planting them in the ground.
Cuttings Propagation
Another method of propagating Pittosporum kauaiense Hbd. var. phaeocarpum Sherff is through stem cuttings. Cuttings should be taken from the current season's growth in spring or summer. The cuttings should be 4 to 6 inches long and have at least three leaves. Remove the bottom leaves of the cutting and dip it in rooting hormone. Place the cutting in a small container filled with well-draining soil and keep it in a bright, warm location with high humidity. Water the cutting regularly and keep it out of direct sunlight. When the roots are established, transplant the cutting to a larger container before planting it in the ground.
Air Layering Propagation
Kauai pittosporum can also be propagated through air layering, which is a method of creating roots on a stem while it is still attached to the parent plant. Choose a healthy stem and make a small incision in the bark, about 6 inches from the tip. Apply rooting hormone to the wound and wrap moist sphagnum moss around the stem. Cover the moss with plastic wrap and secure it with tape. Keep the moss moist and after some weeks, new roots should develop. Cut the stem below the new root system and plant it in potting soil. Water the plant well and keep it in a bright location with some shade.
Disease and Pest Management for Pittosporum kauaiense Hbd. var. phaeocarpum Sherff
Pittosporum kauaiense Hbd. var. phaeocarpum Sherff, also known as the brownfruit pittosporum, is an endemic plant to the Hawaiian islands. Like any other plant, it is susceptible to diseases and pests.
Common Diseases
One common disease that can affect Pittosporum kauaiense Hbd. var. phaeocarpum Sherff is leaf spot, caused by the fungus Passalora spp. Symptoms include yellow to brown circular spots on the leaves. To manage the disease, it is recommended to remove and destroy infected leaves and apply a fungicide.
Another disease that can affect the plant is powdery mildew, caused by the fungus Erysiphe spp. It results in a white powdery coating on the leaves. To manage the disease, maintaining good air circulation around the plants, avoiding overcrowding, and applying a fungicide can be helpful.
Common Pests
The most common pests that can affect Pittosporum kauaiense Hbd. var. phaeocarpum Sherff are scale insects. They can cause stunted growth, leaf yellowing, and death. To manage the pests, pruning and destroying heavily infested areas, introducing natural predators, and applying insecticidal soap can be effective.
Another pest that can affect the plant is the Pittosporum psyllid. They feed on the sap of the plant and can cause distortion of the leaves. To manage the pest, introducing natural predators and applying insecticides can be helpful.
It is important to regularly inspect the plants for any signs of diseases or pests. Early detection and management can prevent the spread and damage caused by them.
