Dubautia ciliolata (DC.) Keck ssp. glutinosa G.D. Carr
Dubautia ciliolata (DC.) Keck ssp. glutinosa G.D. Carr, also known as Keck's dubautia or sticky dubautia, is a flowering plant species in the sunflower family known as Asteraceae. It is endemic to Hawaii, specifically on the islands of Maui and Moloka'i.
Appearance
The plant is a small shrub that grows up to 3 meters in height. It has slender branches with ovate and serrated green leaves that are 2 to 5 centimeters long. Its branches and leaves are covered with glandular and stellate pubescence that makes the plant somewhat sticky to the touch. It produces yellow daisy-like flowers that are about 1 centimeter in diameter.
Uses
Dubautia ciliolata (DC.) Keck ssp. glutinosa G.D. Carr is not commonly used in traditional Hawaiian medicine or as a food source. However, the plant is important for conservation efforts due to its endemicity and its importance in the ecosystems of Maui and Moloka'i. The plant is threatened by habitat loss and degradation resulting from human activities such as logging, farming, and urbanization.
Light Requirements
The Dubautia ciliolata ssp. glutinosa requires plenty of bright sunlight to thrive. In its natural habitat, it grows in areas with full exposure to the sun. Therefore, it is best to place it in a location in your garden or home where it can be exposed to sunlight for at least six hours each day if you want it to grow appropriately.
Temperature Requirements
The Dubautia ciliolata ssp. glutinosa prefers cooler temperatures to hot or warm conditions. It grows best in areas with a temperature range of 18 to 22 degrees Celsius. If the temperature goes well below or above this range, the plant may suffer stress or even death.
Soil Requirements
The Dubautia ciliolata ssp. glutinosa grows best in well-draining, moist soil. The soil should be rich in nutrients and organic matter that provides the plant with the required minerals and essential elements for growth. It is also essential to maintain a slightly acidic soil pH to provide optimal growing conditions for the plant. A pH range of 5.5 to 6.5 is ideal for this plant.
Cultivation
Dubautia ciliolata (DC.) Keck ssp. glutinosa G.D. Carr is a subalpine and montane shrub that can grow up to eight feet tall and over 15 feet wide. This plant prefers well-draining soil in areas with high rainfall and moderate-to-high altitude. It is best grown in a location with partial to full sun exposure, and it prefers cooler temperatures.
Propagation of the Dubautia ciliolata (DC.) Keck ssp. glutinosa G.D. Carr sub-species can be done by using seeds or stem cuttings.
Watering needs
The Dubautia ciliolata (DC.) Keck ssp. glutinosa G.D. Carr sub-species plant needs to be watered frequently, particularly in the first few months after planting. It prefers moist soil and requires regular watering to maintain its health. However, it is essential to avoid overwatering the plant because its roots may suffer from root rot.
Watering methods should include frequent misting, drip irrigation, or careful hand-watering.
Fertilization
Dubautia ciliolata (DC.) Keck ssp. glutinosa G.D. Carr sub-species requires regular fertilization for healthy growth, especially for young plants. A slow-release fertilizer that contains all essential nutrients is recommended for this purpose. While fertilizing, it is crucial to avoid applying too much fertilizer, as it can burn the plant's roots and foliage.
Fertilizing should be done once a month, typically from spring to fall, and it is best to consult with a professional horticulturist to determine the best fertilizer and fertilization schedule for the plant.
Pruning
Pruning is an essential part of the Dubautia ciliolata (DC.) Keck ssp. glutinosa G.D. Carr sub-species' care routine. It helps to maintain the plant size and shape, promote new growth, and prevent disease and pests. Pruning should be done once a year, generally in the fall after the plant has finished flowering.
During pruning, it is essential to use sterilized pruning tools to avoid spreading diseases and pests. All dead and diseased branches should be removed, while the remaining branches should be cut to size and shape the plant's size. Pruning can also promote new growth and encourage flowering.
Propagation of Dubautia Ciliolata ssp. Glutinosa
Dubautia ciliolata ssp. glutinosa is endemic to the Hawaiian Islands and is a popular garden and landscaping plant in the region. The plant can be propagated by several methods, which include seed propagation, vegetative propagation, and tissue culture.
Seed Propagation
Seed propagation is a common method of propagating Dubautia ciliolata ssp. glutinosa. The seeds of the plant can be obtained from the matured flower heads. The seeds are then placed in a container and covered with a layer of sterile soil mix. The container is then placed in a warm, well-lit area to stimulate germination. The seedlings can be transplanted into larger containers or into the ground once they reach a suitable size.
Vegetative Propagation
Vegetative propagation involves using a vegetative part of the plant, such as stem cuttings or root division, to produce a new plant. Stem cuttings of Dubautia ciliolata ssp. glutinosa can be propagated in the same way as seed, by placing them in a container with sterile soil mix and keeping them warm and moist. Root division is also a viable option, where a portion of the plant’s root system is removed and planted in a new location, allowing new growth to occur.
Tissue Culture
Tissue culture is a propagation method that is used to produce large numbers of plantlets from small amounts of plant tissue. This method involves taking a small amount of tissue from the plant, such as leaf or stem, and placing it in a sterile nutrient-rich medium. The plants are then allowed to grow in a controlled environment until they reach a suitable size for transplanting.
Disease and Pest Management for Dubautia ciliolata (DC.) Keck ssp. glutinosa G.D. Carr
Dubautia ciliolata (DC.) Keck ssp. glutinosa G.D. Carr, also known as the Maui dubautia, is a native Hawaiian shrub that is vulnerable to a range of diseases and pests. Here are some common problems that gardeners and growers might encounter, along with tips for controlling them.
Diseases
Fungal diseases can be very harmful to Dubautia ciliolata. One common disease is powdery mildew, which appears as a white, powdery substance on leaves and stems. This can cause wilting, yellowing, and premature leaf drop. To control powdery mildew, remove severely affected leaves and stems and spray the plant with a fungicide. Another fungal disease to watch out for is leaf spot, which causes brown or black spots on leaves and can lead to defoliation. This can be controlled by removing infected leaves and using a copper-based fungicide.
Pests
One of the most common pests that affect Dubautia ciliolata is the spider mite, which sucks the sap out of leaves and can cause yellowing, browning, and overall weakening of the plant. To control spider mites, spray the plants with a solution of water, soap, and neem oil, and rinse with clean water after a few hours. Another pest to watch out for is the Dubautia leafhopper, which causes discoloration and distortion of leaves. Monitor plants and remove leafhoppers by hand if possible. Infestations can be treated with insecticides, such as pyrethrin.
By monitoring Dubautia ciliolata closely and taking the appropriate steps to control diseases and pests, gardeners and growers can help this vulnerable plant thrive.
