Origin
Psychotria hawaiiensis (Gray) Fosberg var. glabrithyrsa Fosberg, commonly known as Hawaiian Wild Coffee, is an endemic plant species native to Hawaii. It is found in the Hawaiian islands of Kaua'i, O'ahu, Moloka'i, and Maui, where it grows in moist to wet forests at elevations of 250-2,100 meters above sea level.
Common Names
Hawaiian Wild Coffee is the most popular common name for Psychotria hawaiiensis, due to the fact that its leaves resemble those of the coffee tree. It is also known as 'Awa'awa in Hawaiian and is sometimes referred to as 'Hawaiian Shrub'in English.
Uses
Psychotria hawaiiensis has a variety of traditional medicinal uses in Hawaiian culture, including for digestive and respiratory problems, as well as for reducing fever. Its young leaves and shoots can be cooked and eaten as a vegetable, while its red fruit can be used to make a bright red dye.
General Appearance
Hawaiian Wild Coffee is an evergreen shrub that grows up to 5 meters tall, though it is typically smaller than this in the wild. The plant has a round, bushy form with leathery dark-green leaves that are glossy and oval-shaped. It bears small, velvety white or pink flowers that bloom from spring to fall and produces bright red fruits that are round and fleshy, containing one seed each.
Light Requirements
Pyschotria hawaiiensis var. glabrithyrsa thrives in partial shade to full sun. It prefers a location with filtered light rather than direct sunlight. When grown in full sun, it requires frequent watering as the heat can dry out the soil quickly.
Temperature Requirements
The plant prefers a temperature range between 70°F to 85°F (21°C to 29°C) during the day and 60°F to 70°F (15°C to 21°C) at night. It is essential to avoid temperature fluctuations as this can affect plant growth and development negatively.
Soil Requirements
Psychotria hawaiiensis var. glabrithyrsa prefers well-draining soils like sandy and loamy soils. A pH range of 5.5 to 6.5 is ideal for optimal growth. It is crucial to avoid waterlogging as this can cause root rot and other diseases. Adding organic matter to the soil can improve its water retention capacity.
Cultivation Methods
Psychotria hawaiiensis (Gray) Fosberg var. glabrithyrsa Fosberg is native to the Hawaiian Islands and requires a tropical climate to grow well. It is best grown in a greenhouse or indoors where environmental conditions can be controlled. The plant prefers well-draining soil with a pH level between 5.5 and 6.5. It can be propagated from seeds or stem cuttings, but stem cuttings are more reliable.
Watering Needs
Psychotria hawaiiensis (Gray) Fosberg var. glabrithyrsa Fosberg requires regular watering to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Watering frequency should be reduced during the winter months when the plant is dormant. Overwatering can result in root rot, so it is important to ensure that the soil has proper drainage.
Fertilization
Psychotria hawaiiensis (Gray) Fosberg var. glabrithyrsa Fosberg benefits from regular fertilization to promote healthy growth. A balanced fertilizer with a ratio of 10-10-10 is ideal. Fertilize the plant every two weeks during the growing season and reduce frequency during the winter months.
Pruning
Psychotria hawaiiensis (Gray) Fosberg var. glabrithyrsa Fosberg requires minimal pruning, but it can be beneficial to remove dead or damaged leaves to promote new growth. The best time to prune the plant is during the spring or summer months when it is actively growing. Use clean, sharp tools to avoid damaging the plant and disinfect them before and after use to prevent the spread of disease.
Propagation of Psychotria hawaiiensis (Gray) Fosberg var. glabrithyrsa Fosberg
Propagation of Psychotria hawaiiensis (Gray) Fosberg var. glabrithyrsa Fosberg can be achieved through different methods which include:
Seed Propagation
Seeds of the Psychotria hawaiiensis (Gray) Fosberg var. glabrithyrsa Fosberg can be used for propagation. Collect seeds from mature fruit capsules that have turned yellow. The seeds should be cleaned and sown immediately in a seed tray filled with well-draining soil mix rich in organic matter. Keep the tray moist and warm but not under direct sunlight. Germination typically takes 4-6 weeks. Once the seedlings are large enough to transplant, consider transferring them into individual pots filled with an appropriate soil mix.
Cuttings Propagation
Cuttings can be used for propagation as well. Take cuttings with a clean sharp knife from a healthy mother plant during the growing season (spring to summer). Cut sections about 5-6 inches long, and remove the leaves from the lower two-thirds of the cutting's stem. Dip the lower end of the cuttings in rooting hormone powder and plant in rooting media filled containers. Keep the soil moist and the cuttings warm and sheltered from direct sun. The cuttings typically root within 5-8 weeks. Once they have rooted and formed new growth, transfer the young plant to an individual container.
Air Layering Propagation
Air layering propagation can be used for older plants with woody stems. In early spring, take a small section from the stem to expose the inner layer by removing the bark slightly above a leaf node. Apply rooting hormone to the exposed area, wrap the cut area with moist sphagnum moss, and cover it with plastic or aluminum foil. Securely tie the covered area with string or plastic wires, prevent moisture loss, and allow the cutting to root for 2-3 months. Once roots have formed, remove the plant from the mother plant and transplant it to an individual pot.
Disease and Pest Management for Psychotria hawaiiensis (Gray) Fosberg var. glabrithyrsa Fosberg
Psychotria hawaiiensis (Gray) Fosberg var. glabrithyrsa Fosberg is an ornamental plant that is native to Hawaii. While it is generally a hardy species, it is still vulnerable to certain pests and diseases. Here are some of the common issues that may affect this plant and how to manage them.
Pest Management
1. Aphids: Aphids are common pests that feed on plant sap and cause damage to the leaves of Psychotria hawaiiensis. To manage aphids, you can remove them by spraying the plant with a strong jet of water or by using insecticidal soap or neem oil.
2. Spider Mites: Spider mites are tiny pests that are difficult to see with the naked eye. They cause damage to the leaves of the plant by sucking the sap out of them. To manage spider mites, you can use insecticidal soap or neem oil. You can also boost the plant's defenses by keeping it well-watered and well-fertilized.
3. Mealybugs: Mealybugs are another common pest that can cause damage to the leaves of Psychotria hawaiiensis. They feed on plant sap and excrete a sticky substance called honeydew, which attracts ants and other insects. To manage mealybugs, you can remove them by hand or use insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Disease Management
1. Leaf Spot: Leaf spot is a common fungal disease that can affect Psychotria hawaiiensis. The disease manifests as small, circular spots on the leaves that gradually expand and merge, leading to the death of the affected tissue. To manage leaf spot, you can apply a fungicide spray to the plant to kill the fungus.
2. Root Rot: Root rot is a fungal disease caused by overly wet soil. It causes the roots of the plant to rot, leading to yellowing and wilting of the leaves. To manage root rot, you should ensure that the plant is not overwatered and that it is growing in well-draining soil. You can also use a fungicide to kill the fungus causing the disease.
3. Powdery Mildew: Powdery mildew is a fungal disease that manifests as a white or grayish powder on the leaves of the plant. The disease thrives in warm and humid conditions. To manage powdery mildew, you can apply a fungicide spray to the plant to kill the fungus. You should also ensure that the plant is not overcrowded and that there is good air circulation around it.
By implementing these disease and pest management strategies, you can keep your Psychotria hawaiiensis (Gray) Fosberg var. glabrithyrsa Fosberg healthy and vibrant.
