Origin
The Dubautia plantaginea Gaud. ssp. humilis G.D. Carr, commonly referred to as the Hawaiian Dubautia, is a species of flowering plant that is endemic to Hawaii, specifically found on the islands of Kauai, Niihau, and Oahu. It is a member of the Asteraceae family.
Common Names
Aside from the Hawaiian Dubautia, this plant is also known by other common names such as the Na'ena'e, Na'ena'e Kuahiwi, and Na'ena'e Pua Lihau.
Uses
Traditionally, the Dubautia plantaginea Gaud. ssp. humilis G.D. Carr has been used in Hawaiian culture as a medicinal plant. The plant was believed to have healing properties that can cure various ailments such as stomach aches, coughs, and colds. Nowadays, the plant is primarily used for conservation purposes to prevent further loss of its natural habitat, which is threatened by human activity.
General Appearance
The Hawaiian Dubautia is a small shrub that typically grows up to a height of 60 cm. Its leaves are a shiny green color and are oval-shaped, measuring around 4 cm in length. The plant produces small white flowers that are arranged in clusters, each flower measuring around 1 cm in diameter. The plant's stem is woody, and its roots are shallow, allowing it to grow in rocky areas or dry, arid soils. Its small size and delicate appearance make it an attractive addition to any garden or landscape.
Light Requirements
Dubautia plantaginea Gaud. ssp. humilis G.D. Carr prefers to grow in areas with full sunlight exposure. They can tolerate some shade, but too much shade can cause leggy growth and fewer flowers.
Temperature Requirements
Dubautia plantaginea Gaud. ssp. humilis G.D. Carr thrives in moderate to cool temperatures ranging from 60 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit. They are native to high elevations in Hawaii, making them more adapted to cooler temperatures. They cannot tolerate extreme heat or frost.
Soil Requirements
Dubautia plantaginea Gaud. ssp. humilis G.D. Carr prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. The soil should be slightly acidic with a pH between 6.0 and 6.5. These plants are adapted to grow in volcanic soil in their natural habitat, so adding volcanic rock or sand to the soil mix can provide good drainage.
Guidelines for Cultivation and Care of Dubautia plantaginea Gaud. ssp. humilis G.D. Carr
Dubautia plantaginea Gaud. ssp. humilis G.D. Carr is a rare and endangered species of the sunflower family native to Hawaii. Below are some guidelines to help you cultivate and care for this plant:
Planting and Soil Requirements
Dubautia plantaginea Gaud. ssp. humilis G.D. Carr prefers well-draining and nutrient-rich soil. Before planting, amend the soil with organic matter such as compost to improve the soil quality. This plant can be propagated through seeds or stem cuttings. When planting, ensure that the hole is twice as wide as the root, and slightly deeper. Place the plant in the hole and gently backfill with soil.
Watering Needs
Water Dubautia plantaginea Gaud. ssp. humilis G.D. Carr regularly to keep the soil moist but not soggy, as excessive moisture can cause the roots to rot. The watering frequency will depend on the environmental conditions and the season. Water the plant in the early morning or late afternoon to avoid water evaporation.
Fertilization
Dubautia plantaginea Gaud. ssp. humilis G.D. Carr does not require frequent fertilization. Use a balanced fertilizer with equal amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium once every three months. Do not exceed the recommended rate of application as this can lead to fertilizer burn.
Pruning
Pruning Dubautia plantaginea Gaud. ssp. humilis G.D. Carr is not necessary unless you want to control its size or shape. Prune the plant after flowering to encourage new growth. Cut above a leaf node at a 45-degree angle using a clean, sharp pair of pruning shears. Avoid pruning more than a third of the plant at once as this can weaken it.
Propagation of Dubautia Plantaginea Gaud. ssp. Humilis G.D. Carr
Dubautia plantaginea Gaud. ssp. humilis G.D. Carr, commonly known as the Na'ena'e, is an endangered plant species endemic to the Hawaiian island of O'ahu. The propagation method for this species can be both sexual and asexual.
Sexual Propagation
Na'ena'e can be propagated by seed. The seeds can be collected from mature fruits in the wild or from cultivated plants. After collecting the seeds, they must be cleaned of debris and stored in a cool, dry place until ready to be planted. When planting the seeds, they should be placed in a well-draining soil mix and lightly covered with soil. The seeds should be watered regularly, and in about two to three weeks, they should start to germinate.
Asexual Propagation
Na'ena'e can also be propagated through vegetative cuttings. This method involves taking cuttings from a mature plant and rooting them in a medium such as peat moss or sand. It is essential to make sure that the cutting has at least one node, which is where the roots will develop. The cutting should be kept in a warm, moist environment until it has developed roots and is ready to be planted in the ground.
Propagation of Na'ena'e is important in ensuring the survival of this plant species, which is currently threatened by habitat loss.
Disease Management
Dubautia plantaginea Gaud. ssp. humilis G.D. Carr can be affected by several diseases, including root rot, powdery mildew, and leaf spot. To manage these diseases, it is important to practice good cultural practices such as providing proper drainage and avoiding overhead irrigation. In addition, applications of fungicides can be helpful in controlling these diseases. It is important to follow the label instructions when using fungicides and to rotate different fungicides to avoid the development of resistance.
Pest Management
Dubautia plantaginea Gaud. ssp. humilis G.D. Carr can also be prone to pest infestations. Common pests that may affect this plant include spider mites, aphids, and thrips. To manage these pests, it is important to regularly inspect the plants for signs of infestation and to remove any infested or damaged plant material. In addition, applications of insecticidal soaps or oils can be effective in controlling these pests. It is important to follow label instructions when using these products to avoid harming beneficial insects.
