Overview
Pseudognaphalium sandwicensium (Gaud.) A. Anderb. ssp. sandwicensium, commonly known as ‘ilie’e or Hawaiian rabbit tobacco, is a plant species in the family Asteraceae. It is a native species of Hawaii and can be found on all of the major islands of the state.
Appearance
The ‘ilie’e plant has a woody stem and grows up to 1 meter tall. The leaves are fuzzy and vary in shape, with the lower leaves being broader than the upper leaves. The plant's flowers are small, yellow, and grow in clusters at the end of branches. It is a drought-tolerant shrub that can thrive in a variety of habitats, including arid coastal regions, lava flows, and dry forests.
Traditional Uses
The Hawaiian people have used ‘ilie’e for traditional medicine purposes for generations. The plant was commonly used as an herbal tea to treat fever, respiratory problems, and stomach ailments. It was also used as a poultice for skin disorders and as a topical treatment for cuts and bruises. The plant's leaves were boiled and used as a warm compress to relieve muscle pains and headaches. The sap of the plant was also used for treating ear infections.
Current Uses
Today, ‘ilie’e is commonly used for making lei and other traditional Hawaiian crafts. Its fuzzy, silver-green leaves and small yellow flowers make it a popular ornamental plant in gardens and landscaping in Hawaii. Additionally, it is used by conservationists to help restore and stabilize disturbed ecosystems. Its deep roots help to prevent erosion, and its drought-tolerant nature allows it to thrive in habitats that have been impacted by invasive species or human activity.
Overall, Pseudognaphalium sandwicensium is a valuable plant species in Hawaii with a rich history of traditional uses and a growing presence in modern conservation efforts and ornamental horticulture.Light Requirements
Pseudognaphalium sandwicensium ssp. sandwicensium typically grows in full sun to partial shade, meaning the plant requires at least 6 hours of sunlight per day but may also survive with only 2-4 hours of direct sunlight.
Temperature Requirements
This plant prefers warm temperatures ranging between 60 to 85°F (15.5 to 29.4°C). It can tolerate temperatures as low as 50°F (10°C) and as high as 95°F (35°C) but it may not grow as well under extreme heat or cold conditions.
Soil Requirements
Pseudognaphalium sandwicensium ssp. sandwicensium prefers well-draining, sandy soils that are rich in organic matter. The soil should be slightly acidic to neutral with a pH range between 5.5 and 7.5. The plant can also grow on rocky or gravelly soils, as it is adapted to grow in sites with low soil fertility and low water availability.
Cultivation Methods for Pseudognaphalium Sandwicensium
Pseudognaphalium Sandwicensium grows well in full sun to partial shade and can adapt to a wide range of soils. It is best to plant the species in well-draining soil. It is a drought-tolerant plant, so it is advisable to avoid overwatering the plant to prevent root rot. The plant is propagated from seeds or stem cuttings, and seedlings should be transplanted when they are two inches tall.
Watering Needs for Pseudognaphalium Sandwicensium
Watering Pseudognaphalium Sandwicensium should be done once the top inch of soil has dried out. The plant can tolerate drought, but it is advisable to provide it with a little water during dry spells. Overwatering the plant can cause root rot and eventually kill the plant. It is essential not to wet the foliage when watering the plant to decrease the chances of fungal infections.
Fertilization of Pseudognaphalium Sandwicensium
Feed the plant with a balanced fertilizer once every six months. Pseudognaphalium Sandwicensium is a low-maintenance plant that does not require too much fertilizer. Too much fertilizer can increase vegetative growth at the expense of flowers.
Pruning of Pseudognaphalium Sandwicensium
Pseudognaphalium Sandwicensium is a low-growing and bushy plant that does not require much pruning. However, it is advisable to remove spent flowers to encourage new blooms. It is best to prune during the spring to ensure that the new growth emerges naturally. Pruning should be minimal and only remove the dead or diseased wood.
Propagation of Pseudognaphalium sandwicensium (Gaud.) A. Anderb. ssp. sandwicensium
Pseudognaphalium sandwicensium (Gaud.) A. Anderb. ssp. sandwicensium, or commonly known as aku'Aku, is a small-native shrub with white to grayish tiny flowers. Propagation of the aku'aku plant can be done via four methods: seed propagation, stem cuttings, layering, and division.
Seed Propagation
Aku'aku can be propagated by seed if seeds are available. The seeds need to be sown during early spring in well-drained soil mixed with sand. The seedlings will usually germinate within two weeks if optimal conditions are provided. After germination, the seedlings can be transplanted to larger containers or directly placed into the ground.
Stem Cuttings
Stem cuttings are another way to propagate aku'aku. Collect cuttings from the tips of healthy shoots in the early morning. Using a sterilized cutting tool, make a cutting around 4 inches long, carefully avoiding crushing it. Remove the bottom set of leaves from the cutting, and dip the cut end in rooting hormone powder. Then, plant the cutting in a container with well-draining soil and keep soil constantly moist. Place the container in a shaded location to promote root formation. In four weeks, the roots should have developed, and the cutting can be transplanted to a larger container, or directly planted into the ground.
Layering
Aku'aku can also be propagated through layering technique. Select a healthy, matured stem that is flexible and still attached to the parent plant. Using a sterilized cutting tool, gently remove the leaves from the middle portion of the stem, leaving the top and bottom leaves intact. Apply rooting hormone powder to the exposed area and then wrap this portion with moist sphagnum moss. Then, cover the moss with plastic wrap to prevent drying out. After about four weeks, roots should have formed around the moss. Carefully cut the stem below the new root ball and plant it in a well-drained potting mix or directly in the ground.
Division
Division can be done if the mother plant has grown to the point of needing re-potting. Gently take out the planted material with minimal damage to the roots and separate the root clusters into smaller sections with sterilized tools. Plant the divided parts in new containers with a pre-moistened well-draining potting mix. Place in a shaded location and ensure the soil is humid.
Disease and Pest Management for Pseudognaphalium sandwicensium
Pseudognaphalium sandwicensium is a hardy species that is resistant to most pests and diseases that commonly afflict other plants. However, there are a few potential problems that growers should be aware of.
Diseases
One of the most common diseases that can affect Pseudognaphalium sandwicensium is powdery mildew. This fungal disease appears as a white, powdery substance that covers the leaves, stems, and flowers of the plant. It can be controlled by applying fungicides such as sulfur or neem oil. It is also important to maintain proper air circulation to prevent the growth and spread of powdery mildew.
Another disease that can affect Pseudognaphalium sandwicensium is rust. This disease appears as orange or brown spots on the leaves and stems. It can be treated with fungicides like copper sulfate or lime sulfur, or by removing and destroying infected plant material.
Pests
Pseudognaphalium sandwicensium is rarely affected by pests, but two potential insect pests are spider mites and aphids. Spider mites are tiny, sap-sucking insects that can cause yellow, speckled leaves and webbing on the plant. They can be controlled by spraying the plant with water to dislodge them, or by using insecticidal soap or neem oil. Aphids are another common pest that can be controlled with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Another common pest that can affect Pseudognaphalium sandwicensium is thrips. These tiny insects feed on the plant's leaves, causing them to develop silver or white patches. They can be controlled by removing and destroying infected plant material, or by using sticky traps to catch them.
Overall, Pseudognaphalium sandwicensium is a low-maintenance plant that is resistant to most pests and diseases. However, growers should be vigilant and monitor their plants for any signs of disease or pest infestation, and take prompt action to control and prevent damage to the plant.
