Overview
Sophora chrysophylla (Salisb.) Seem. ssp. glabrata (Gray) Chock, commonly known as m?nele, is a species of flowering plant in the family Fabaceae. This plant is found in Hawaii, where it is native to the islands of Kauai, Oahu, Molokai, Maui, and Hawaii.
Common Names
The plant has several common names that include m?nele, yellow necklacepod, gold-leaved kowhai, and mature 'ilima.
Appearance
The plant has an open, slender, and smooth trunk that is usually 3-5 meters tall. Its leaflets are green on the upper side and have golden-colored hairs on the underside. During the fall season, the plant produces yellow flowers that are arranged in clusters and produce a sweet scent. The yellow flowers are pollinated by native bees and attract various bird species. The plant produces long, smooth, and flat seed pods that darken from a green color to a blackish color when mature.
Uses
The plant is traditionally used by Native Hawaiians to treat various ailments. The bark and roots are used as a natural remedy to treat asthma, coughs, and chest congestion. The leaves and flowers are used as a poultice to treat skin conditions such as cuts, wounds, and insect bites. The plant also has cultural significance in the Hawaiian culture and is sometimes used in hula performances and leis.
Light Requirements
Sophora chrysophylla ssp. glabrata requires full sun to partial shade to grow properly. It can tolerate moderate shade but will grow more slowly in these conditions.
Temperature Requirements
This plant is adapted to grow in mild to warm temperate climates with an average temperature range of 10 to 20 degrees Celsius. It can tolerate occasional frost but not prolonged freezing temperatures.
Soil Requirements
Sophora chrysophylla ssp. glabrata prefers well-draining soils that are rich in organic matter, with a pH range of 5.5 to 6.5. It can tolerate some drought but will benefit from regular watering during dry periods.
Other Growth Conditions
This plant is adapted to grow in areas with high humidity levels, such as coastal regions. It is also relatively resistant to salt spray and can grow in coastal areas that are exposed to ocean spray.
Cultivation:
Sophora chrysophylla (Salisb.) Seem. ssp. glabrata (Gray) Chock is native to coastal areas of California, Oregon, and Baja California. It prefers well-draining, sandy or loamy soils and full sun to partial shade. The plant can tolerate occasional frosts but cannot tolerate prolonged freezing temperatures.
Watering:
This plant prefers moderate watering, meaning you should water it when the top 2-3 inches of soil feel dry to the touch. During hot and dry weather or longer periods of drought, it may require more frequent watering to prevent the soil from completely drying out. Be careful not to overwater and allow the soil to become waterlogged, which can lead to root rot.
Fertilization:
Sophora chrysophylla (Salisb.) Seem. ssp. glabrata (Gray) Chock does not require a lot of fertilization. Fertilize once a year in the spring with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer. Avoid fertilizing in the fall or winter, as this could stimulate new growth that could be damaged by cold temperatures.
Pruning:
You should prune Sophora chrysophylla (Salisb.) Seem. ssp. glabrata (Gray) Chock in late winter or early spring before new growth appears. Prune back any branches that are damaged or dead. You can also prune for shaping or to control the plant's size, but be careful not to remove too much of the plant as it could lead to decreased growth or flowering. Always use clean, sharp tools when pruning to prevent the spread of disease.
Propagation of Sophora chrysophylla (Salisb.) Seem. ssp. glabrata (Gray) Chock
Sophora chrysophylla (Salisb.) Seem. ssp. glabrata (Gray) Chock, commonly known as m?mane in Hawaiian, is a slow-growing shrub or small tree endemic to Hawaii. It is a member of the legume family, Fabaceae, and serves as an important food source for the endangered Hawaiian honeycreeper birds.
The plant can be propagated through several methods:
Seed Propagation
M?mane seeds have a tough outer coating and need to be scarified before planting. Scarification can be done by nicking or sanding the seed coat. The seeds then need to be soaked in water for 24 hours to improve germination rates.
M?mane seeds can be planted in a well-draining potting mix and covered with a thin layer of soil. The pot should be kept in a warm, humid location and watered regularly. Germination can take several weeks to months.
Cuttings Propagation
M?mane can be propagated through hardwood cuttings taken from mature branches. Cuttings should be taken during the dormant season and should be at least 6 inches long and about the width of a pencil.
Remove all the leaves from the lower half of the cutting, dip the bottom in rooting hormone, and plant it in a well-draining potting mix. Keep the soil moist and the cutting in a warm, humid location. It can take several months for the cutting to root and start producing new growth.
Air Layering Propagation
Air layering can be used to propagate m?mane if there are no suitable branches for cuttings. Select a healthy, mature branch and remove a strip of bark about 2 inches wide from the middle of the branch.
Cover the exposed wood with rooting hormone and sphagnum moss, and wrap it tightly with plastic wrap. Keep the moss moist and in a warm, humid location. Once roots form, cut the branch below the root ball and plant it in a well-draining potting mix.
Disease Management
Sophora chrysophylla ssp. glabrata is highly susceptible to a range of diseases caused by fungi and bacteria. The common diseases are:
- Phytophthora root rot: This disease is caused by the fungus Phytophthora cinnamomi. The infected plant shows wilting, stunted growth, and yellowing of leaves. The roots become brown and soft and ultimately die. Management of this disease can be done by planting the plant in well-drained soil, avoiding over-irrigation, and applying fungicides to the soil.
- Leaf spot: This disease is caused by the fungus Mycosphaerella sophorae. The infected plant exhibits small brown spots on leaves, which further enlarge and merge with each other. Management of this disease can be done by pruning the infected leaves, maintaining good air circulation, and applying fungicides.
- Anthracnose: This disease is caused by the fungus Kabatiella sophorae. The infected plant shows dark-colored lesions on the stem and leaves. Management of this disease involves treatment with fungicides and removing infected plant parts.
Pest Management
Sophora chrysophylla ssp. glabrata is also susceptible to various insect pests. The common pests that can affect the plant are:
- Aphids: These insects suck the sap from the plant and cause curling of leaves. Management of these pests can be done by removing them manually or spraying an insecticide in the evening.
- Scale insects: These insects attach themselves to the stem and leaves and suck the sap from the plant. The plant shows a yellowing of leaves and stunted growth. Management of these pests can be done by rubbing the scale insects off the plant or spraying insecticides.
- Caterpillars: These insects eat the leaves and stems of the plant. Management of these pests can be done by removing them manually or using Bacillus thuringiensis insecticide.
