General Description
Dubautia scabra (DC.) Keck var. munroi (Sherff) Keck is a member of the Asteraceae family, commonly called the sunflower family. This plant has a shrub-like habit that can grow up to 2 meters tall. It is characterized by its scabrous, or rough, and pubescent leaves. The inflorescence consists of many small, bright yellow, daisy-like flowers that bloom in clusters at the ends of branches.
Origin
Dubautia scabra var. munroi is endemic to the Hawaiian Islands, specifically found on the island of Moloka'i. It grows in mesic to wet forests at elevations between 300 and 1220 meters.
Common Names
Common names for Dubautia scabra var. munroi include Munro's Dubautia and Ancient Dubautia. It is also known as 'ilie'e in the Hawaiian language.
Uses
Dubautia scabra var. munroi has no known medicinal or cultural uses, however, it is an important component of the Hawaiian high-elevation wet forests, providing habitat for native birds and invertebrates. It is also valued for its ornamental purposes, often grown in botanical gardens and nurseries.
Light Conditions
Dubautia scabra (DC.) Keck var. munroi (Sherff) Keck typically requires full sun to partial shade for optimal growth. This plant prefers bright and sunny environments but will also tolerate some shade during the day.
Temperature Requirements
This plant can typically grow in a wide range of temperatures. Dubautia scabra (DC.) Keck var. munroi (Sherff) Keck can tolerate hot and dry conditions, as well as cooler temperatures. This plant often grows in areas with temperatures ranging from 50 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit.
Soil Requirements
The soil that Dubautia scabra (DC.) Keck var. munroi (Sherff) Keck requires should have good drainage and be well-aerated. This plant prefers soil that is moist but not waterlogged. A soil pH range of 5.5 to 7.5 is recommended for optimal growth. Sandy or loamy soils are best for this plant, but it may also grow in soils that are rocky or volcanic in nature.
Other Considerations
It's important to note that Dubautia scabra (DC.) Keck var. munroi (Sherff) Keck is an endemic plant in Hawaii. It is typically found on the island of Maui, growing in dry forest areas and dry shrublands. Therefore, the plant may require different growing conditions if grown outside of its native habitat.
Cultivation Methods
Dubautia scabra var. munroi is best grown in well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. This plant prefers full sun to partial shade and is most commonly found in the subalpine and alpine zones at elevations between 6,000 and 10,000 feet. When growing Dubautia scabra var. munroi in a garden or landscape setting, it is important to mimic its natural habitat as much as possible.
Watering Needs
Dubautia scabra var. munroi prefers moist but well-drained soil. Avoid overwatering, which can lead to root rot. The frequency of watering will depend on the environment and climate, but as a general guide, it is best to water every 7-10 days during the growing season. In dry or drought conditions, increase the frequency of watering and provide shade from the hot sun.
Fertilization
Dubautia scabra var. munroi does not require a lot of fertilizer. However, you can provide a balanced fertilizer once or twice a year during the growing season to encourage healthy growth. Avoid using excessive amounts of nitrogen, which can cause the plant to grow too quickly and become leggy.
Pruning
Dubautia scabra var. munroi does not require regular pruning. However, trimming back any dead or damaged branches can help maintain its shape and promote healthy growth. Pruning can also be done to remove any diseased or insect-infested branches. If you wish to control the plant's size, you can prune it back in late winter or early spring before the growing season begins.
Propagation of Dubautia scabra (DC.) Keck var. munroi (Sherff) Keck
Dubautia scabra (DC.) Keck var. munroi (Sherff) Keck, also known as Munro's dubautia, is an endemic plant to Hawaii and belongs to the family Asteraceae. The plant is best propagated by the use of seeds and stem cuttings.
Propagation by seeds
Propagation by seeds is an effective method for Dubautia scabra (DC.) Keck var. munroi (Sherff) Keck. The seeds are best collected when the plant's flowers turn brown, and the seeds start to become visible. The seeds should be harvested with care to prevent damage to the seeds. Afterward, the seeds should be air-dried for several days, ensuring the seeds are kept in a cool, dry environment. For optimal results, the seeds should be sown in trays, with each seed being sown in separate cells. The cells should be filled with well-draining potting soil and kept moist. Germination will start in about two weeks, and the young plants should be spaced out after about a month.
Propagation by stem cuttings
Propagation by stem cuttings is another effective method for Dubautia scabra (DC.) Keck var. munroi (Sherff) Keck. The cuttings are taken from the plant's young growth and should be about 8-10 centimeters long. The leaves on the lower two-thirds of the stem should be removed, and a small amount of rooting hormone powder can be applied to the stem's base. The stem cuttings should then be inserted into a well-draining potting soil and kept moist. For optimal results, the cuttings should be kept in a high humidity environment. Rooting will occur within a few weeks, and the young plants can be potted into a larger container after about a month.
Disease and Pest Management for Dubautia scabra (DC.) Keck var. munroi (Sherff) Keck Plant
Dubautia scabra (DC.) Keck var. munroi (Sherff) Keck is a rare plant species found only in the west Maui area of Hawaii. While this plant is not commonly cultivated, it is important to have knowledge of common diseases and pests that may affect the plant and how to manage them.
Common Diseases
One of the most common diseases affecting Dubautia scabra (DC.) Keck var. munroi (Sherff) Keck is Fusarium wilt. This disease is caused by the Fusarium fungi and can lead to the wilting and death of the plant. To control this disease, the infected plants need to be removed and destroyed as soon as possible. To prevent the occurrence of this disease, it is important to maintain proper sanitation practices and avoid planting Dubautia scabra (DC.) Keck var. munroi (Sherff) Keck in soil that has been previously planted with other Fusarium-infected plants.
Another common disease affecting Dubautia scabra (DC.) Keck var. munroi (Sherff) Keck is leaf spot. Leaf spotting can be caused by various fungi or bacteria. To control this disease, the affected leaves should be removed, and fungicidal sprays can be applied. It is also important to ensure that the plant is not overcrowded, and there is proper airflow around it to reduce humidity levels.
Common Pests
Aphids are one of the common pests affecting Dubautia scabra (DC.) Keck var. munroi (Sherff) Keck. They feed on the sap of the plant and can cause severe damage if not controlled. To manage aphids, the plant should be regularly inspected for infestations, and the affected parts should be removed and destroyed. Beneficial insects such as ladybugs and lacewings can also be introduced to control aphids.
The spider mites are another common pest that can damage Dubautia scabra (DC.) Keck var. munroi (Sherff) Keck. These tiny pests can cause yellowing and curling of leaves and ultimately lead to the death of the plant. To control spider mites, the plants can be sprayed with a strong jet of water to dislodge them. In severe cases, miticidal sprays can also be used.
In conclusion, managing diseases and pests of Dubautia scabra (DC.) Keck var. munroi (Sherff) Keck requires a vigilant approach and proper sanitation practices. Early detection and prompt management of any disease or pest problem are crucial to protect the plant and prevent the spread of infection.
