Origin and Common Names
Zanthoxylum maviense Mann. var. kaalanum (Sherff) St. John, also known as the Kaala wawau, is a member of the Rutaceae family and is native to the Hawaiian Islands. Its common names include the Hawaiian prickly ash, toothache tree, and tickle tongue.
Appearance
The Kaala wawau is a deciduous tree that can reach up to 6 meters in height. It has a prickly stem, with small thorns that grow up to 5 millimeters in length. Its bark is smooth and gray to dark brown in color. The leaves are compound and alternate, with 3-7 leaflets that are ovate to elliptic in shape and can reach up to 8 centimeters in length. The tree produces small, greenish, and fragrant flowers that bloom in the spring and summer, followed by fruit that is about 2 to 3 millimeters in diameter and black in color when matured.
Uses
Indigenous Hawaiians have utilized different parts of the Kaala wawau plant for various purposes. The fruits were used as a traditional medicine to treat stomach cramps, toothaches, and respiratory ailments. The bark, leaves, and thorns were also used as an anesthetic and analgesic for toothaches or as a treatment for sore muscles. Due to its spiny nature, the plant was also used as a natural fencing material and a repellent for livestock. The Kaala wawau is also enjoyed by native Hawaiian birds that feed on its fruit.
Growth Conditions for Zanthoxylum maviense Mann var. kaalanum (Sherff) St. John
Zanthoxylum maviense Mann var. kaalanum (Sherff) St. John, commonly known as Kaala mava, is a plant species found in the Hawaiian Islands. This plant species prefers to grow in the understory of mesic to wet forests at elevations ranging from 90 to 1,100 meters above sea level.
Light Requirements
Zanthoxylum maviense Mann var. kaalanum (Sherff) St. John thrives in shaded conditions. This plant species requires an environment that receives partial to full shade with diffuse light. It is best to avoid direct sunlight as it can lead to leaf scorching and hinder growth.
Temperature Requirements
Zanthoxylum maviense Mann var. kaalanum (Sherff) St. John is adapted to a relatively warm and humid growing environment. The temperature range for growth is approximately 18°C to 27°C (64°F to 81°F). This plant species is sensitive to low temperatures and high temperature fluctuations, and extreme temperatures can lead to stunted growth or even death.
Soil Requirements
Zanthoxylum maviense Mann var. kaalanum (Sherff) St. John prefers well-drained and moist soils. The ideal pH range is slightly acidic to neutral, with a pH range of 5.5 to 7.2. This plant species requires adequate organic matter, and soil nutrients should be regularly replenished to enhance growth and development.
Cultivation Methods
Zanthoxylum maviense Mann var. kaalanum, commonly known as Sherff or St. John’s Prickly Ash, is a small tree or shrub that is native to the Philippines. It is a relatively low-maintenance plant, making it an excellent choice for novice gardeners. It is best grown in warm to hot temperatures and well-draining soil that is moist but not soggy.
When planting, make sure that the soil is loose and aerated to promote good drainage. Water the newly planted tree or shrub thoroughly and continue to keep the soil moist until it is well-established. Zanthoxylum maviense Mann var. kaalanum is best grown in partial shade to full sun, but it may need to be protected from the hot afternoon sun in some locations.
Watering Needs
Zanthoxylum maviense Mann var. kaalanum is drought-tolerant and can survive in dry conditions. However, it is important to keep the soil slightly moist to encourage healthy growth and fruit production. Water the plant deeply once or twice a week, depending on the climate and soil conditions. Pay attention to the leaves, and if they start to wilt, increase the frequency of watering.
Fertilization
Add a slow-release fertilizer to the planting hole to provide nutrients for the young plant. After that, fertilizer is not typically necessary unless the plant shows signs of nutrient deficiency, such as yellowing leaves or stunted growth. A balanced fertilizer, applied in spring and fall, will provide the necessary nutrients for healthy growth and fruit production.
Pruning
Zanthoxylum maviense Mann var. kaalanum can tolerate heavy pruning, and it responds well to shaping. To control the size and shape of the plant, prune it back in late winter or early spring before new growth emerges. Remove any dead, damaged, or diseased wood, and thin out any crossing or rubbing branches.
Pruning can also be done to encourage fruit production. Remove any old or unproductive wood to make way for new growth that will produce fruit. Keep in mind that this plant produces fruit on new wood, so regular pruning will help to ensure a consistent supply of fruit.
Propagation of Zanthoxylum maviense Mann var. kaalanum (Sherff) St. John
Zanthoxylum maviense Mann var. kaalanum (Sherff) St. John can be propagated through different methods. These include seed propagation, vegetative propagation, and grafting.
Seed Propagation
Seed propagation is the simplest and most commonly used method for propagating Zanthoxylum maviense Mann var. kaalanum. It involves collecting seeds from mature and healthy plants. The seeds should be cleaned and treated with a fungicide before planting to prevent fungal infections. The seeds are then planted in a mixture of peat moss and perlite or sand in equal parts and kept moist. Germination can take up to 60 days, and seedlings can be transplanted to individual pots after they develop several true leaves.
Vegetative Propagation
Vegetative propagation involves taking cuttings from mature plants of Zanthoxylum maviense Mann var. kaalanum. The cuttings should be taken from healthy and disease-free plants during the dormant season. Hardwood cuttings of approximately 10-15 cm long with 2-3 buds are recommended. The cuttings should be dipped in a rooting hormone and planted in a mixture of sand and peat moss. Rooting can take up to several months, and after the roots are established, the cuttings can be transplanted to individual pots.
Grafting
Grafting is another propagation method suitable for Zanthoxylum maviense Mann var. kaalanum. This method involves taking a scion from a mature and healthy plant and grafting it onto a rootstock of another Zanthoxylum species or rootstock of the same species but from a different individual. Grafting is done during the dormant season, and the scion and rootstock should be of the same diameter. After grafting, the plants should be kept in a humid and warm environment until the graft union is formed. The new plants can be transplanted to individual pots after a suitable period.
Disease Management
Zanthoxylum maviense Mann var. kaalanum is generally a hardy plant, but it is susceptible to some diseases. Here are some of the most common plant diseases that may affect this plant:
- Powdery mildew: This fungal disease manifests as white or grey powdery patches on the plant's foliage. To manage this disease, remove infected leaves and use a fungicidal spray.
- Leaf spot: Leaf spot is a fungal disease that causes dark spots on the plant's leaves. Remove infected leaves and use a fungicidal spray to control this disease.
- Root rot: Root rot is a disease caused by soil-borne fungi that attack the plant's roots. Make sure that the plant has well-draining soil and avoid overwatering to prevent this disease.
Pest Management
Like all plants, Zanthoxylum maviense Mann var. kaalanum can also fall prey to pests. Here are some of the most common pests that may affect this plant:
- Aphids: These tiny insects suck fluids out of the plant's leaves and stems. To control aphids, spray the plant with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
- Scale insects: Scale insects are small, oval-shaped insects that attach themselves to the plant and suck its sap. Use insecticidal soap or neem oil to control scale insects.
- Caterpillars: Caterpillars are the larvae of butterflies and moths. They can eat holes through the plant's leaves and severely damage it. Apply Bacillus thuringiensis (BT) to control caterpillars.
By keeping a close eye on your Zanthoxylum maviense Mann var. kaalanum plant and promptly addressing any issues that arise, you can help ensure that it remains healthy and thriving.
