Origin
Rollandia bidentata St. John, commonly known as m?p? or kihi kuri, is a native plant to New Zealand. It is found in coastal to montane forests on the North and South Islands, as well as the Chatham Islands.
Common Names
Rollandia bidentata is known by a variety of common names, including m?p?, kihi kuri, dogtooth k?minga, dogtooth mapou, and toothed leathery shield fern.
Uses
The fleshy rhizome of Rollandia bidentata is an important traditional M?ori food source. It is also used medicinally to treat various ailments, such as gonorrhea and rheumatism. The plant has potential pharmacological uses due to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. In addition, Rollandia bidentata is a popular ornamental plant with its unique foliage and tolerance for shade.
General Appearance
Rollandia bidentata is a slow-growing, evergreen fern that can reach up to 2 meters in height. It has a thick, leathery frond with a unique triangular shape and a distinctive toothed edge, hence its common names "toothed leathery shield fern" and "dogtooth k?minga". The fronds are dark green in color and grow erect from a creeping rhizome.
Light Requirements
Rollandia bidentata St. John prefers to grow in a shaded area with indirect sunlight. Direct exposure to sunlight can scorch the plant and stunt its growth. Therefore, it is best to keep the plant in a place that receives filtered or dappled sunlight, such as under the canopy of another tree.
Temperature Requirements
The Rollandia bidentata St. John plant prefers a warm, temperate climate. It can tolerate temperatures between 15°C and 25°C (59°F and 77°F). However, it cannot tolerate extreme temperatures, either very hot or very cold. Ensuring a consistent temperature throughout the year is important for the plant's growth and development.
Soil Requirements
The Rollandia bidentata St. John plant prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. The soil pH should range from neutral to slightly acidic, between 6.0 and 7.0. The plant is adaptable to different soil types, including loamy, sandy, or clay soils. However, the soil must be moist but not waterlogged. Overwatering or waterlogging can cause root rot and damage the plant.
Cultivation methods
Rollandia bidentata St. John is a low-growing plant that is best suited to cultivation in containers or hanging baskets placed in a spot that receives partial shade. Ensure you use well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter and place the plant in a spot protected from strong winds to help reduce water loss.
Watering needs
Rollandia bidentata St. John has moderate watering needs and requires consistent moisture in the growing medium. Ensure that the soil is kept consistently moist, but not waterlogged. Always water the plant thoroughly and ensure that the soil is not allowed to dry out completely, as this can damage the plant.
Fertilization
Fertilize Rollandia bidentata St. John every two weeks during the growing season to encourage healthy growth. Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer that contains equal amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Dilute the fertilizer to half its recommended strength and apply it to the soil to avoid fertilizer burn.
Pruning
Rollandia bidentata St. John requires minimal pruning, but you can pinch the tips of the plant stems to encourage bushiness. Remove any dead, yellow, or damaged leaves to enhance the plant's overall health and appearance. If your plant is getting too big, you can cut back the stems to control its size.
Propagation of Rollandia bidentata St. John
Rollandia bidentata St. John is a plant that belongs to the family of Asteraceae. It is a beautiful perennial plant that is not commonly available in nurseries. Therefore, propagation of Rollandia bidentata St. John is the best way to obtain it. There are two main ways of propagating Rollandia bidentata St. John:
Propagation by Seed
The easiest way to propagate Rollandia bidentata St. John is through seeds. The seeds can be collected from the plant, either when the flower fades or when it begins to produce achenes (fruits). The achenes must be stored in a cool, dry area until it is time to plant them in the spring.
Before planting the seeds, they should be stratified (cold-treated) to encourage germination. This can be achieved by placing the seeds in the refrigerator for two or three weeks before planting them in the early spring. The seeds should be sown in a nutrient-rich, well-draining soil mixture and covered lightly with soil. The soil should be kept moist until the seeds germinate, which usually takes two to four weeks.
Propagation by Division
Another way to propagate Rollandia bidentata St. John is through division. This method works well for established plants that have been growing for three to four years. The plant should be dug up, and the root system should be divided into sections. Each section should have several rooting shoots and some healthy roots.
The divided sections should be then transplanted to new locations, making sure that the plant receives adequate water and nutrients. The best time to do the division is in the early spring or fall, when the plant is not in active growth. Division helps to rejuvenate the plant and promote healthy growth.
Disease and Pest Management for Rollandia bidentata St. John
Rollandia bidentata St. John is a species of shrub that is commonly found in tropical regions. While it is generally a hardy plant, it is still susceptible to diseases and pest infestations. Here are some of the most common diseases and pests that affect this plant and how to manage them.
Common Diseases
Leaf Spot: Leaf spot is a fungal disease that causes brown or black spots on the leaves of Rollandia bidentata. The infected leaves may fall prematurely, and if the disease is left unchecked, it can cause significant damage to the plant. To manage leaf spot, remove the affected leaves and discard them. Ensure that the plant receives proper air circulation and avoid overhead watering. If necessary, apply a fungicide as directed.
Powdery Mildew: Powdery mildew is a fungal disease that manifests as a grayish-white powdery coating on the leaves of the plant. This disease can affect the overall health of the plant, causing stunted growth and reduced vigour. To manage powdery mildew, ensure that the plant receives adequate airflow and avoid overcrowding. Prune any affected branches and leaves and apply a fungicide if needed.
Crown Rot: Crown rot is a fungal disease that affects the base of the plant and causes the plant to wilt and die. This disease is usually caused by overwatering or poorly-drained soil. To prevent crown rot, ensure that the plant is not receiving too much water. If the disease has set in, remove the affected plant and ensure proper drainage before replanting.
Common Pests
Mealybugs: Mealybugs are small, white insects that may be found on the leaves and stems of Rollandia bidentata. They are most commonly found in warm and humid environments. To manage mealybugs, wipe them off the plant with a damp cloth or cotton swab soaked in rubbing alcohol. Repeat this process daily until the infestation is under control.
Spider Mites: Spider mites are tiny, reddish-brown pests that can cause stunted growth and yellowing of the leaves. They thrive in hot, dry conditions. To manage spider mites, apply a miticide as directed. Additionally, ensure that the plant is receiving proper humidification, and avoid overfertilizing.
Scale Insects: Scale insects are hard, shell-like insects that attach themselves to the stems and leaves of the plant. They can cause yellowing and wilting of leaves and can damage the overall health of the plant. To manage scale insects, use a soft-bristle brush to remove the scales from the plant. Alternatively, apply an insecticide as directed.
By being aware of these common diseases and pests and taking steps to manage them, you can help ensure the health and vitality of your Rollandia bidentata St. John plants for years to come.
