Overview
Schiedea pubescens Hbd. var. degeneri Sherff is a rare plant species native to Hawaii. It is a member of the Caryophyllaceae family and is commonly known as the puahalakoa.
Appearance
The puahalakoa is a small shrub that grows up to 3 feet high. Its leaves are thick, fleshy, and hairy, with a rounded apex and short petiole. The flowers are pink to purple and grow in clusters at the tips of the branches. The plant produces small, greenish-brown fruits that contain numerous tiny seeds.
Uses
The puahalakoa is highly valued for its medicinal properties. It is used in traditional Hawaiian medicine to treat a wide range of ailments, including fever, cough, sore throat, and diarrhea. The plant is also used to treat skin conditions such as burns, wounds, and insect bites.
Unfortunately, due to its rarity and endangered status, the puahalakoa is not readily available for commercial or medicinal use.
Conservation
The puahalakoa is listed as an endangered species by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service. Its population has drastically declined due to habitat loss and the introduction of non-native species. Conservation efforts have been put in place to protect and restore the plant's habitat, including seed collection and propagation, habitat restoration, and invasive species control.
Light Requirements
Schiedea pubescens Hbd. var. degeneri Sherff requires partial to full sunlight to grow. It can tolerate shade, but the growth may be slower than those exposed to sunlight. Direct sunlight may cause leaf scorching if the temperatures are high.
Temperature Requirements
The plant prefers warm temperatures. An ideal temperature range for this plant is between 18 to 25 °C (64 to 77 °F). The plant will not tolerate frost and may die if the temperatures drop below 0 °C (32°F).
Soil Requirements
The plant prefers well-drained, moist and fertile soil. A pH range between 6.0 to 7.0 is ideal for growing Schiedea pubescens Hbd. var. degeneri Sherff. The soil should also be rich in organic matter. The plant can tolerate some soil salinity but not excessively saline soil.
Cultivation of Schiedea pubescens var. degeneri
The Schiedea pubescens var. degeneri is an endemic flowering plant species found in Hawaii. The plant's growth habit is shrubby, with a spreading form and hairy leaves. The following cultivation tips can help ensure you grow healthy Schiedea pubescens var. degeneri:
Watering Needs
The Schiedea pubescens var. degeneri is adaptable to various moisture levels, but it does best in a well-draining soil mix with moderate moisture. Water deeply and regularly, keeping the soil evenly moist. Avoid overwatering, as this can lead to root rot and other fungal diseases. In dry weather conditions, humidity levels might need to be increased.
Fertilization
Schiedea pubescens var. degeneri benefits from regular applications of fertilizer to promote healthy growth and bloom. Fertilizers should be rich in potassium, phosphorus, and nitrogen, and suitable for flowering plants. Fertilizer can be applied every three to six months, including micronutrients such as iron and magnesium.
Pruning
Schiedea pubescens var. degeneri requires minimal pruning. However, keep an eye on the plant to avoid overcrowding of branches and stems. Deadheading or pruning the tips of the stems promotes a bushy habit and can encourage re-blooming. Trim back any dead or diseased branches regularly to promote healthy growth.
Propagation of Schiedea pubescens Hbd. var. degeneri Sherff
Schiedea pubescens Hbd. var. degeneri Sherff, commonly known as Hawaiian schiedea, is a herbaceous perennial plant belonging to the Caryophyllaceae family.
Seeds
The most common method of propagating Schiedea pubescens Hbd. var. degeneri Sherff is from seeds. The plant produces large quantities of small, black seeds that can be easily collected. The collected seeds must be cleaned, dried, and stored in a cool and dry place until ready for sowing.
For sowing, seeds can be directly planted in pots or seed trays filled with a well-draining potting mix. The pots or seed trays should be kept in a warm and bright location and regularly watered until seedlings emerge. Once seedlings are established, they can be potted on or planted in the ground.
Cuttings
Propagation of Schiedea pubescens Hbd. var. degeneri Sherff from cuttings is also possible, but it is more complicated than propagation from seeds. The best time to take cuttings is in the late spring or early summer.
To take cuttings, use a sharp and sterilized knife to cut a 10-15 cm long stem from the plant. Remove all leaves except for the top two and plant the stem in a pot with well-draining soil. Provide the cutting with a warm and bright location and regularly mist the cutting to keep it hydrated.
After approximately four weeks, the cutting should begin to produce roots. Once the roots are established, the cutting can be potted on or planted in the ground.
Disease Management
One of the most common diseases that affects Schiedea pubescens Hbd. var. degeneri Sherff plant is powdery mildew. It is a fungal disease that can cause significant damage if left untreated. To manage this disease, prune off infected leaves, keep the plant well-ventilated to reduce humidity, and avoid crowding of plants as it promotes rapid spread. Additionally, you can apply fungicidal sprays to the plant during early morning hours.
Another disease that can affect this plant is root rot, which is caused by soil-dwelling fungi or bacteria. The symptoms include yellowing leaves, wilting, and stunted growth. To manage this disease, avoid overwatering, ensure proper drainage, and use well-drained soil. Additionally, you can apply fungicidal treatments to the soil.
Pest Management
There are several pests that can affect Schiedea pubescens Hbd. var. degeneri Sherff plants. One of the most common is spider mites, which can cause leaf yellowing, stunted growth, and a silvery web on the plant. To manage this pest, prune off infected leaves, and regularly spray the plant with water to increase humidity. You can also apply insecticidal sprays to the plant.
Another pest that can affect this plant is aphids, which suck the sap from the plant and causes damage. You can manage this pest by removing infected leaves, pruning off plants with heavy infestations, and using predator insects like ladybugs to reduce their population. Additionally, you can apply insecticidal soaps or oils to the plant.
Finally, caterpillars can also affect Schiedea pubescens Hbd. var. degeneri Sherff plants. They can cause significant damage to leaves and stem by feeding on them. To manage this pest, remove infected leaves, handpick caterpillars, and use Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) sprays to eliminate them.
