Origin and Common Names
Tetraplasandra meiandra (Hbd.) H.A.T. Harms var. makalehana Sherff, commonly known as the Hawaiian 'ohe tree or 'ohe makai, is a species of flowering plant in the family Araliaceae. It is endemic to the Hawaiian Islands, specifically the island of Kauai, where it is found growing in the dry to moist forests of the island's windward side.Appearance
The Hawaiian 'ohe tree is a small to medium-sized tree that can grow up to 10 meters in height. It has a single trunk and a dense, rounded crown of glossy, dark green leaves. The leaves are pinnately compound, with 5 to 9 leaflets per leaf, and can grow up to 35 centimeters in length. The tree produces small, cream-colored flowers that grow in clusters on long, drooping branches.Uses
The Hawaiian 'ohe tree has traditionally been used by the native Hawaiians for a variety of purposes. The leaves and bark were used to make a medicine for treating a variety of ailments, including fever, cough, and headaches. The wood of the tree was used to make spears, musical instruments, and other tools, while the stems were used to make fish traps. Today, the tree is primarily grown as an ornamental plant in gardens and parks, although it is also important for its role in preserving the biodiversity of Hawaii's native forests.Growth Conditions for Tetraplasandra meiandra var. makalehana Sherff
Light Requirements: Tetraplasandra meiandra var. makalehana Sherff grows well in partial to full shade. It cannot tolerate direct sunlight and may suffer from leaf burn if subjected to too much sun exposure. Therefore, it is best to grow the plant in areas that receive filtered light under the shade of trees, or indoors near a west or east-facing window.
Temperature Requirements: This plant is native to Hawaii and prefers warm temperatures between 60°F to 85°F. It is sensitive to cold temperatures and cannot tolerate frost. Therefore, it should be protected from cold drafts or harsh winds during the winter months. The plant can be grown in USDA Hardiness Zones 10b to 11.
Soil Requirements: Tetraplasandra meiandra var. makalehana Sherff prefers well-draining, humus-rich soil that is high in organic matter. The soil should be kept slightly moist and not allowed to dry out completely between waterings. The plant does not tolerate waterlogged soil and may develop root rot if grown in poorly draining soil.
Fertilizer: Tetraplasandra meiandra var. makalehana Sherff benefits from regular fertilization with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer. Fertilizer should be applied during the growing season (spring and summer months), and the plant should be watered immediately after fertilization.
Humidity: This plant prefers higher humidity levels, but can tolerate average household humidity levels. It may benefit from occasional misting or placement on a humidity tray to increase humidity levels.
Propagation: Tetraplasandra meiandra var. makalehana Sherff can be propagated through stem cuttings or by air layering. Cuttings should be taken in the spring or summer months, placed in a rooting hormone and planted in well-draining soil. Air layering involves wounding a section of the stem and surrounding it with damp sphagnum moss until roots form. The rooted section can then be planted in well-draining soil.
Cultivation Methods
The Tetraplasandra meiandra (Hbd.) H.A.T. Harms var. makalehana Sherff is best grown in a warm, humid climate, ideally in USDA hardiness zones 9-11. It prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter and has a slightly acidic to neutral pH level between 6.0-7.0. This plant does well in partial to full shade and requires protection from strong winds and direct sunlight.
Watering Needs
The Tetraplasandra meiandra (Hbd.) H.A.T. Harms var. makalehana Sherff prefers consistently moist but not water-logged soil. It is recommended to water this plant once or twice a week, depending on the climate and soil type. However, it is important not to let the soil dry out completely between watering, as this could lead to leaf wilt and potentially harm the plant.
Fertilization
To ensure optimal growth, it is recommended to fertilize Tetraplasandra meiandra (Hbd.) H.A.T. Harms var. makalehana Sherff during the growing season, which is typically from spring to fall. A balanced fertilizer that contains equal parts nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium can be applied every three to four weeks. Additionally, a slow-release fertilizer can be applied once a year to provide the plant with sustained nutrients throughout the year.
Pruning
Tetraplasandra meiandra (Hbd.) H.A.T. Harms var. makalehana Sherff typically does not require much pruning. However, it is important to remove any dead or damaged leaves and stems to promote overall health and appearance. If the plant becomes too tall or wide, it can also be pruned back. It is recommended to prune during the dormant season, which is typically in late winter or early spring.
Propagation of Tetraplasandra meiandra var. makalehana Sherff
Tetraplasandra meiandra var. makalehana Sherff is a shrub or small tree endemic to the Hawaiian Islands. It is a rare species that is difficult to find in cultivation. However, propagating this plant is possible using different methods.
Seed Propagation
Tetraplasandra meiandra var. makalehana Sherff produces small, black berries containing one to four seeds. These seeds can be collected from mature fruits and sown immediately.
Before planting, the seeds should be cleaned and soaked in water for several hours to soften the tough seed coat. Then, they can be sown in pots filled with a well-draining substrate, covered lightly with soil, and kept in a warm, bright place.
Germination usually takes 2 to 3 months, and the seedlings should be kept in a humid environment until they are large enough to be transplanted into individual pots.
Cuttings Propagation
Another method to propagate Tetraplasandra meiandra var. makalehana Sherff is by taking stem cuttings.
Hardwood cuttings can be taken in late winter or early spring. The cuttings should be about 8 inches long and have a diameter of about 0.25 inches. They can be treated with rooting hormone and planted in a well-draining substrate, such as perlite or sand.
The cuttings should be kept in a warm, humid environment and misted regularly until they develop roots and new leaves. Once rooted, they can be transplanted into individual pots with soil and kept in a shaded area for a few weeks before gradually exposing them to more light.
Air Layering Propagation
Air layering is another propagation method that can be used for Tetraplasandra meiandra var. makalehana Sherff.
To do this, a mature stem can be selected and a small portion of the bark should be removed, about 1 inch wide. Then, the exposed area should be covered with moist sphagnum moss and wrapped with plastic to keep the humidity high. Once roots have developed, the rooted section can be cut and planted in soil.
Air layering is a slower propagation method, but it ensures that the new plant will have the same characteristics as the parent plant.
Disease Management
The Tetraplasandra meiandra (Hbd.) H.A.T. Harms var. makalehana Sherff plant is susceptible to various diseases that can lead to stunted growth and death of the plant. The diseases that often affect this plant include bacterial leaf spot, root rot, and fungal diseases such as leaf blight and anthracnose.
Bacterial leaf spot is characterized by water-soaked spots on the foliage that later turn brown and necrotic. The first line of defense is to practice good hygiene in the garden, such as avoiding overcrowding and applying adequate irrigation to avoid prolonged periods of wetness. Fungicides such as copper-based sprays can also help to manage bacterial leaf spot.
Root rot, on the other hand, is caused by a soil-borne fungus that affects the roots, leading to rotting and decay. To manage this disease, it is important to start by practicing good soil management practices such as avoiding waterlogging and providing adequate drainage. Further, applying fungicides and ensuring proper watering can help to manage root rot.
Fungal diseases such as leaf blight and anthracnose are characterized by the appearance of brown spots on the leaves, which later turn to black. To manage these diseases, it is important to maintain good air circulation, prune affected leaves, and avoid overhead watering. Furthermore, applying fungicides such as copper-based sprays can help to manage these diseases.
Pest Management
The Tetraplasandra meiandra (Hbd.) H.A.T. Harms var. makalehana Sherff plant is also susceptible to various pests, including mealybugs, scale insects, and spider mites.
Mealybugs and scale insects can be managed through the application of insecticidal soap or oil sprays. It is important to note that these pests are often attracted to plants that are under stress, so providing adequate water and nutrients can be helpful in reducing their populations.
Spider mites, on the other hand, can be managed through the application of insecticidal soaps or oils. Additionally, maintaining good air circulation and avoiding overwatering can help prevent spider mites infestations.
