Woodia verruculosa Schltr. – Description
Woodia verruculosa Schltr., commonly known as “Pahutan,” is a plant native to the Philippines. It is a type of small tree or shrub that belongs to the family Euphorbiaceae.
Origin and Distribution
Woodia verruculosa Schltr. is endemic to the Philippines and is found in the island of Luzon, where it is commonly distributed in the provinces of Benguet and Nueva Vizcaya. It grows in forests, particularly in the mossy forests between 1300-2200 meters above sea level.
Common names
Apart from “Pahutan,” Woodia verruculosa Schltr. is also commonly known as “Tree Hemp” or “Hagonoi.”
Appearance
Woodia verruculosa Schltr. is a small tree or shrub that grows up to 5 meters in height. It has smooth, gray bark and has alternate, simple, and ovate leaves that are 6-10cm in length. Its inflorescences are unisexual and emerge from the axils of the leaves.
Uses
Woodia verruculosa Schltr. has been used traditionally by the indigenous communities in the Philippines as a source of fiber for weaving. The plant’s inner bark fibers are strong, flexible, and durable, making it an excellent material for weaving bags, baskets, and mats. The bark is also used to create a local medicinal decoction to treat various ailments such as headache, fever, and stomach pains.
Growth Conditions for Woodia verruculosa Schltr.
Woodia verruculosa Schltr. is a terrestrial orchid that requires the right growth conditions to thrive. In the wild, it is distributed across tropical Africa and thrives in warm, humid environments. Here are some important growth conditions to consider if you want to cultivate and care for Woodia verruculosa Schltr.:
Light Requirements
Like most orchids, Woodia verruculosa Schltr. requires bright but filtered light to grow well. Direct sunlight can scorch the leaves and damage the plant. Indirect sunlight or filtered light is ideal, and you can achieve this in a greenhouse or by placing the plant near a window or under a shade cloth. Generally, around four to six hours of bright, indirect sunlight is ideal.
Temperature Requirements
In its natural habitat, Woodia verruculosa Schltr. grows in warm, tropical environments. Hence, it prefers daytime temperatures between 75 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit and nighttime temperature not going below 50°F. Therefore, it is essential to maintain a warm and stable temperature range in this range for optimal growth. It is also vital to avoid exposing the plant to sudden temperature drops, which can shock the plant and affect its growth.
Soil Requirements
Woodia verruculosa Schltr. prefers well-draining, slightly acidic soil with a pH range of 5.5 to 6.5. It is advisable to mix orchid-specific potting mix with standard soil to improve the drainage capabilities, and that will provide the roots ample space to breathe. The orchid mix should contain bark, tree fern, and perlite that will improve soil ventilation, drainage while reducing the risk of root rot.
Humidity Requirements
Adequate humidity is another important growth condition that is typical for orchids. The tropical environments that Woodia verruculosa Schltr. prefers have about 80% humidity, a level that is challenging to replicate in a home or greenhouse. However, it is possible to recreate these conditions by regularly misting your plant with water to boost humidity levels and placing a bowl of water beside the plant.
Cultivation methods
Woodia verruculosa Schltr. grows well in warm climates and prefers partially shady areas. It can tolerate direct sunlight, but it may dehydrate faster. The plant is resistant to pests and diseases, making it low maintenance.
The plant is propagated through seedlings or cuttings. Seedlings should be planted at a depth of 1 cm, while cuttings should be planted at a depth of 3 cm. The soil should be well-draining and rich in nutrients. It is also recommended to mix perlite or sand to improve drainage, especially if the soil is clayey.
Watering needs
Woodia verruculosa Schltr. requires moderate watering. It thrives in moist soil but does not tolerate waterlogging. Overwatering can lead to root rot and fungal diseases. It is best to check the soil moisture before watering. You can use a moisture meter, or you can stick your finger into the soil. If the soil feels dry, it is time to water the plant.
Fertilization
Woodia verruculosa Schltr. benefits from regular fertilization. You can use a balanced fertilizer every month during the growing season. The fertilizer should be rich in nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. You can also use organic fertilizers such as compost or well-rotted manure. Fertilizing the plant will promote healthy growth and flowering.
Pruning
Woodia verruculosa Schltr. does not require frequent pruning, but you can trim it to maintain its shape or remove damaged or diseased branches. The best time to prune the plant is during the dormant season, usually in late winter or early spring. You can use pruning shears to cut back the branches. Make sure to sterilize your tools with rubbing alcohol or bleach to prevent the spread of disease.
Propagation of Woodia verruculosa Schltr.
Woodia verruculosa Schltr. can be propagated by various methods:
Division
The plant can be divided during the repotting process. Carefully remove the plant from its container and separate the root ball into sections. Each section should have both roots and foliage. Re-pot each section into a pot with fresh soil and water thoroughly.
Stem cuttings
Stem cuttings from the plant can be taken during the growing season. Use a sterilized sharp knife to cut a healthy stem with a few leaves. The cutting should be approximately 4 inches long. Remove the lower leaves and insert the cutting into a pot filled with moist soil. Keep the soil moist and protect the cutting from direct sunlight until it roots.
Leaf cuttings
Leaf cuttings can also be taken during the growing season. Carefully remove a healthy leaf from the plant and make a clean cut at the base of the leaf. Allow the wound to scab over for a few hours before planting the leaf, cut side down, in a pot filled with a well-draining mix. Water the soil lightly and cover the pot with a clear plastic bag to create a humid environment. The leaf will develop roots and small plantlets at the base over the next few weeks.
Propagation of Woodia verruculosa Schltr. can be a simple process with any of these methods given the right environmental conditions and proper care.
Disease and Pest Management for Woodia verruculosa Schltr.
Woodia verruculosa Schltr., commonly known as the Warty-leaved Mistletoe, is a parasitic plant that most often infects apple and cherry trees. As with any plant, diseases and pests can affect the health and growth of Woodia verruculosa. It is important to regularly monitor the plant and take appropriate measures to manage any potential issues.
Common Diseases
One common disease that can affect Woodia verruculosa is powdery mildew. This fungus appears as a white, powdery substance on the leaves of the plant. It is important to remove infected leaves as soon as possible and to treat the plant with a fungicide to prevent the spread of the disease. Leaf spot is another fungal disease that can cause yellow spots on the leaves of the plant. Remove any infected leaves and apply fungicide to prevent further damage.
Common Pests
Woodia verruculosa can be affected by a variety of pests including aphids, spider mites, and scale insects. These pests can cause significant damage to the plant by sucking the sap out of the leaves. It is important to regularly inspect the plant and use insecticidal soap or oil to control the infestation. Another type of pest that can affect Woodia verruculosa is the mistletoe apple aphid, an insect that injects toxins into the plant, causing it to grow abnormally. Remove any infected parts of the plant and use insecticidal soap to control the infestation.
Management Techniques
In addition to using fungicides and insecticides, there are several other techniques that can be used to manage diseases and pests in Woodia verruculosa. Pruning the plant regularly can improve air circulation and prevent fungal growth. Making sure the plant is properly hydrated and fertilized can also improve overall health and resistance to pests and diseases. Additionally, using natural predators such as ladybugs or lacewings can help control pest populations.
Regularly monitoring a Woodia verruculosa plant for pests and diseases, and applying the appropriate management techniques, can help ensure the plant remains healthy and vibrant for years to come.
