Origin and Common Names
Tetraplasandra hawaiensis Gray var. gracilis Sherff, commonly known as `ohe, is an indigenous Hawaiian plant that belongs to the family Araliaceae. `Ohe has four varieties, and `ohe makai, or coastal `ohe, is one of them. This variety is found on the coasts and lowlands of all the Hawaiian Islands, except Kaho`olawe and Ni`ihau. It also occurs in the Cook Islands, Society Islands, and Pitcairn Islands.
Uses
Native Hawaiians used `ohe for medicinal and cultural purposes. The roots and bark were used to treat stomach ailments, and the wood was used for carving and making musical instruments, such as `ohe hano ihu (nose flutes) and `ul?`ul? (feathered gourd rattles). `Ohe was also used for fishing floats and tool handles.
General Appearance
`Ohe is a small to medium-sized tree that can grow up to 20 feet tall. It has a single trunk that is slender and straight, with a diameter of up to 8 inches. The bark is grayish brown and smooth when young, becoming rough and fissured with age. The leaves are compound, with three to five leaflets, and are glossy and dark green. The leaflets are elliptical to oval, with a pointed tip and a serrated edge. The flowers are small, cream-colored, and borne in large clusters at the ends of the branches. The fruit is a small, black drupe that is about half an inch in diameter and contains a single seed.
`Ohe makai is an important component of coastal and lowland vegetation in Hawaii. It grows in dry to wet forests and is commonly found in coastal strands and rocky cliffs. It is a hardy plant that can tolerate drought, salt spray, and wind. `Ohe makai is an important resource for native Hawaiian culture and is valued for its practical and spiritual uses.
Growth Conditions for Tetraplasandra hawaiensis Gray var. gracilis Sherff
Tetraplasandra hawaiensis Gray var. gracilis Sherff is a rare plant species native to Hawaii. It typically grows in the understory of the tropical rainforest and requires specific growth conditions for healthy development.
Light Requirements
Tetraplasandra hawaiensis Gray var. gracilis Sherff thrives in low to moderate light conditions. Direct sunlight can damage the plant and cause leaf scorching. A filtered or diffused light source is recommended for optimal growth. If grown indoors, fluorescent lights or LED grow lights can provide the required light intensity.
Temperature Requirements
Tetraplasandra hawaiensis Gray var. gracilis Sherff requires a warm and humid environment for proper growth. It thrives in temperatures ranging from 60 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit (15 to 27 degrees Celsius). The plant can tolerate brief exposure to temperatures as low as 50 degrees Fahrenheit (10 degrees Celsius) but prolonged exposure to cold temperatures can cause damage to the plant.
Soil Requirements
Tetraplasandra hawaiensis Gray var. gracilis Sherff requires well-draining, moist soil with a slightly acidic pH between 5.5 and 6.5. The soil should be rich in organic matter and capable of holding moisture without becoming waterlogged. A mixture of peat moss, perlite, and vermiculite can create an ideal growing medium for the plant.
It is also important to note that this plant prefers soil that is high in nutrients. A regular fertilization schedule using a balanced fertilizer can aid in healthy growth. Care should be taken not to over-fertilize as this can damage the plant's roots.
Cultivation Methods
The Tetraplasandra hawaiensis Gray var. gracilis Sherff plant is native to Hawaii and thrives in warm, humid environments. Therefore, it requires a well-drained soil mixture with excellent organic matter content. For optimal growth, the plant should be kept in areas that receive moderate sunlight and shielded from harsh winds.
If you're caring for your Tetraplasandra hawaiensis Gray var. gracilis Sherff plant indoors, it's crucial to ensure the right temperature range, which should be between 18°C – 27°C.
Watering Needs
It's best to keep the soil of the Tetraplasandra hawaiensis Gray var. gracilis Sherff plant moist throughout the year. The plant's watering frequency depends on the environmental conditions such as the humidity levels and the temperature. Generally, the plant should be watered once in every 3-4 days.
It's essential to avoid over-watering the plant, as this can lead to root rot and other diseases. Ensure the soil drains well to avoid water from accumulating at the root level.
Fertilization
The Tetraplasandra hawaiensis Gray var. gracilis Sherff plant requires regular fertilization to maintain optimal growth and health. Fertilize the plant about once a month during the growing season using a suitable fertilizer with high in organic matter content. Composting, adding leaf mold, or using organic fertilizer with a high level of nitrogen are excellent options.
Be sure not to over-fertilize the plant since it can damage it. It's essential to follow the instructions given on the fertilizer package and use a balanced fertilizer.
Pruning
Regular pruning ensures the Tetraplasandra hawaiensis Gray var. gracilis Sherff plant remains healthy and promotes new growth. Pruning will encourage the plant's shape and help shape it into a more desirable appearance.
Pruning in the early spring season is the best practice and encourages the growth of fresh foliage. Be sure to cut down any wilting or damaged branches and remove the faded flowers. Keep pruning tools sharp to avoid damaging the plant.
Propagation of Tetraplasandra hawaiensis Gray var. gracilis Sherff
Tetraplasandra hawaiensis Gray var. gracilis Sherff, commonly known as false o`hia or hame, is a native Hawaiian plant that belongs to the family Araliaceae. The plant grows up to 20 feet tall with glossy leaves and produces small, greenish-white flowers. Propagation of Tetraplasandra hawaiensis Gray var. gracilis Sherff can be done through different methods, including seed germination, stem cuttings, and layering.
Seed Germination
Tetraplasandra hawaiensis Gray var. gracilis Sherff can be propagated by seed germination, which is the easiest and most common method. The seeds must be collected from mature plants during the fruiting period and cleaned from any remaining pulp. Afterward, the seeds are soaked in water for 24 hours to soften the hard seed coat. Then, the seeds are planted in a seedling mix with vermiculite and peat at a depth of 1/4 inch and kept moist. The seedlings should sprout in 3-6 weeks, after which they can be transplanted into individual pots.
Stem Cuttings
Propagation of Tetraplasandra hawaiensis Gray var. gracilis Sherff through stem cuttings is suitable for plants that are hard to propagate through seeds. Cuttings should be taken from mature plants during the growing season, preferably from the upper part of the plant. The cuttings should be 4-6 inches long and contain at least two nodes with leaves. Remove the lower leaves and dip the cut end in rooting hormone powder before planting in a rooting medium. The medium can be a mixture of vermiculite, perlite, and peat. Cover the pot with a plastic sheet to maintain humidity and keep the soil moist. The cuttings should root in 4-6 weeks, after which they can be transplanted into their permanent location.
Layering
Propagation of Tetraplasandra hawaiensis Gray var. gracilis Sherff through layering is suitable for mature plants with long branches. For this method, we choose one of the branches and make a small cut at the base. Then, we bend the cut stem and pin it to the ground using a wire or a small stake and ensure that the wounded part touching the ground. Cover the wounded part with soil and keep moist. After a few months, the branch should have rooted and can be detached from the mother plant and transplanted into a pot or a permanent location.
Disease and Pest Management for Tetraplasandra hawaiensis Gray var. gracilis Sherff
Tetraplasandra hawaiensis Gray var. gracilis Sherff is a plant native to Hawaii and is commonly known as the hinahina tree. It is a low-maintenance plant but may still face certain diseases and pests if not taken care of properly. Here are some of the common diseases and pests that may affect the plant and ways to manage them.
Diseases
Leaf Spot: Leaf spot is a fungal disease that causes circular, dark spots on the plant's leaves. To manage this disease, remove the infected leaves and avoid wetting the foliage during watering. Apply a copper-based fungicide to the plant as a preventative measure.
Powdery Mildew: Powdery mildew is a fungal disease that appears as a powdery white coating on the plant's leaves. To manage this disease, remove the infected leaves and maintain good air circulation around the plant. Apply a sulfur-based fungicide to the plant as a preventative measure.
Root Rot: Root rot is a fungal disease that affects the plant's roots and can be caused by overwatering or poor drainage. To manage this disease, ensure proper drainage and avoid overwatering the plant. Apply a fungicide to the soil as a preventative measure.
Pests
Aphids: Aphids are common pests that feed on the plant's sap, causing stunted growth and distorted foliage. To manage aphids, spray the plant with a strong jet of water to knock them off the plant. You can also apply insecticidal soap or neem oil to the plant as a preventative measure.
Mites: Mites are tiny pests that feed on the plant's leaves, causing discoloration and webbing. To manage mites, remove heavily infested leaves and apply a miticide to the plant as a preventative measure. Maintain good humidity levels around the plant to prevent mite infestations.
Caterpillars: Caterpillars are pests that feed on the plant's foliage, causing large holes and damage. To manage caterpillars, remove them by hand or use an insecticide that targets caterpillars. Applying a sticky trap around the plant can also help catch caterpillars before they cause too much damage.
By following these disease and pest management tips, you can ensure that your Tetraplasandra hawaiensis Gray var. gracilis Sherff plant thrives and remains healthy.
