Platydesma Cornuta Hbd. Var. Cornuta - Oahu Pilo Kea

Platydesma cornuta Hbd. var. cornuta Description

Platydesma cornuta Hbd. var. cornuta is a plant species that belongs to the family of Tiliaceae. It's commonly referred to as the Horned Redwood or more commonly, the small-leaved horned Tilia. The plant is native to China and has spread to other regions, including Vietnam, Laos, Bhutan, and Nepal.

Appearance

The small-leaved horned Tilia is a deciduous tree that can grow up to 20 meters tall. As its name suggests, it has horn-like protrusions on its branches. The leaves of the tree are small, measuring approximately 3 to 8 centimeters in length, and have finely serrated edges. The leaves are arranged alternately on the branches. The tree produces yellow-green flowers that bloom in the early summer months, which then develop into small, brownish, and round fruits.

Uses

Platydesma cornuta Hbd. var. cornuta has numerous medicinal uses in traditional medicine systems. The leaves of the tree are used in herbal remedies to treat ailments such as epilepsy, high blood pressure, and rheumatism. The bark of the tree is also used to treat skin-related issues such as eczema and psoriasis. In addition to its medicinal uses, the wood of the small-leaved horned Tilia is used in carpentry and furniture making due to its durability and attractive grain pattern.

In summary, the small-leaved horned Tilia is a unique and useful plant species that has significant medicinal properties and industrial uses. Its distinctive horn-like protrusions make it a visually appealing addition to any landscape.

Growth conditions for Platydesma cornuta Hbd. var. cornuta

Light: Platydesma cornuta Hbd. var. cornuta requires moderate to high light conditions to grow and flourish. It can tolerate some shade but prefers direct sunlight. It is best to place the plant in a location that receives 4-6 hours of direct sunlight daily.

Temperature: Platydesma cornuta Hbd. var. cornuta thrives in warm temperatures ranging from 20-30 degrees Celsius (68-86 degrees Fahrenheit). It can withstand a range of temperatures but does not tolerate frost or extreme heat.

Soil requirements: Platydesma cornuta Hbd. var. cornuta prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. The soil pH level should be slightly acidic to neutral, between 6.0-7.5. It can grow in various soil types, including sandy, loamy, and clay soils. However, the soil should be kept moist but not waterlogged.

Fertilization: Platydesma cornuta Hbd. var. cornuta benefits from regular fertilization during the growing season. A balanced fertilizer high in nitrogen can be applied every 4-6 weeks to promote growth and flowering.

Water requirements: Platydesma cornuta Hbd. var. cornuta prefers to be kept consistently moist but not waterlogged, especially during the growing season. It is best to water the plant deeply once a week rather than shallowly several times a week.

Propagation: Platydesma cornuta Hbd. var. cornuta can be propagated through seed or stem cuttings. Stem cuttings should be taken during the growing season and placed in a well-draining potting mix. They should be kept in warm and humid conditions until new growth appears.

Cultivation Methods

Platydesma cornuta Hbd. var. cornuta is a hardy tree that thrives in tropical regions. It prefers light shade or partial sunlight and can grow in a range of soil types, including sandy, clay, and loam. The tree can be propagated through seeds or stem cuttings, and it is recommendable to plant it in well-drained soil. In addition, the tree requires ample space for growth, so ensure you leave a distance of about 7-10 meters between the seedlings during planting.

Watering Needs

The tree requires moderate watering, especially during the initial stages of growth. As the plant establishes itself, you can reduce the watering to once a week. It is important to ensure you don't overwater the tree as it may lead to root rot, which can be detrimental to the plant's growth and development. Always check the soil moisture level before watering, and only water when the soil feels dry.

Fertilization

To enhance its growth, you can apply fertilizer to the tree twice a year – during the rainy and dry seasons. During the rainy season, apply fertilizer that is rich in nitrogen, potassium, and phosphorous. During the dry season, use a fortified slow-release fertilizer with low nitrogen levels to maintain optimum soil pH levels. Apply the fertilizers at the base of the tree away from the trunk and water thoroughly after application.

Pruning

To promote growth and productivity, pruning is necessary. The best time to prune the Platydesma cornuta Hbd. var. cornuta tree is during the dormancy period, which is typically towards the end of the dry season. This process involves the removal of dead and diseased branches, and any overcrowded or crossing limbs. It is recommendable to engage a professional or skilled personnel to assist in pruning to avoid damage to the tree.

Propagation methods for Platydesma cornuta Hbd. var. cornuta

Propagation is a process of reproducing a species in large numbers by various methods. The propagation method used for Platydesma cornuta Hbd. var. cornuta is by seed and vegetative propagation.

Propagation by seed

The propagation by seed is done in the following way:

• The seeds are sown in the nursery bed during the rainy season.
• Prepare the soil in the nursery bed by mixing sand and compost.
• The soil should be well-drained and fertile.
• Sow the seeds about 1cm deep and press the soil firmly.
• Water the bed regularly to maintain moisture in the soil.
• The seeds will germinate within 3 to 4 weeks.
• The seedlings are ready for transplantation after 6 to 8 months when they reach a height of 15 to 20 cm.
• Before transplanting, prepare the land by ploughing and harrowing.
• Transplant the seedlings in rows with a spacing of 2 to 3 meters.

Vegetative propagation

The vegetative propagation of Platydesma cornuta Hbd. var. cornuta can be done through:

• Cuttings: Take semi-hardwood cuttings from the current season's growth and plant them in the nursery bed. The cuttings take root within a few months and can be transplanted after a year when it reaches a height of 15 to 20 cm.
• Air layering: Select a branch which is healthy and free from any pest or disease. Wound the branch by making a cut and wrap the area with moist sphagnum moss and plastic sheet. After 3 to 4 weeks, roots will emerge, and the branch can be cut and planted in the field.

The success rate of vegetative propagation is higher than propagation by seed.

Disease and Pest Management for Platydesma cornuta Hbd. var. cornuta

Platydesma cornuta Hbd. var. cornuta, also known as the Long-horned Bee-plant, is a hardy plant that is resistant to most diseases and pests. However, it can still be affected by a few problems, which we will discuss below.

Diseases

One of the most common diseases that can affect Platydesma cornuta is root rot. This disease is caused by a fungal infection that attacks the roots of the plant and can eventually kill it. To avoid this, it is important to ensure that the plant is not overwatered and that the soil is well-draining. If root rot is detected, the plant should be removed and disposed of, and the soil should be sterilized to prevent further spread.

Bacterial leaf spot is another disease that can affect Platydesma cornuta. This disease is characterized by dark lesions on the leaves of the plant. To manage this disease, it is important to prune infected leaves and ensure that the plant is not overcrowded. Additionally, it is important to avoid overhead watering, as this can help spread the disease.

Pests

Platydesma cornuta is not commonly affected by pests, but it can still fall prey to a few insects. One of the most common pests that can affect the plant is aphids. These small insects can cause damage to the leaves and stem of the plant and can spread diseases. To manage aphids, it is important to regularly inspect the plant and use insecticidal soap or neem oil to control their population.

Caterpillars can also be a problem for Platydesma cornuta. These insects can eat through the leaves and stem of the plant, causing significant damage. To manage caterpillars, it is important to inspect the plant regularly and remove any visible caterpillars by hand. Additionally, using insecticidal soap or Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) can help control their population.

Overall, Platydesma cornuta is a hardy plant that is resistant to most diseases and pests. However, it is important to remain vigilant and take appropriate measures to manage any problems that may arise.