Boerhavia (repens)
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Kim Martz and Forest Starr Biologists USDI USFWS - Midway Atoll National Wildlife Refuge Midway Atoll National Wildlife Refuge,1082 Makepono St. Honolulu, Hawaii 96819 http://www.ggnpa.org |
| Family Scientific Name: | Nyctaginaceae | ||
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| Family Common Name: | Four-o'clock Family | ||
| Scientific Name: | Boerhavia repens L. | ||
| Common Synonym: | Boerhavia diffusa gymnocarpa | ||
| Common Name: | Alena | ||
| Species Code: | BOEREP | ||
| Ecotype: | Hawaii | ||
| General Distribution: |
Indigenous to Hawai'i. Alena is distributed from Africa to Hawai'i. In Hawai'i, occasional, probably formerly much more common, on shores and moderately dry coastal areas and leeward, at least semi-dry lower slopes, on Kure, Midway, and Pearl and Hermes Atolls, Lisianski, Laysan, French Frigate Shoals, and all of the main islands. Alena is presently common on all three islands of Midway Atoll. |
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| Propagation Goal: | plants | ||
| Propagation Method: | vegetative | ||
| ProductType: | Container (plug) | ||
| Stock Type: | 3.5 in containerized cutting | ||
| Time To Grow: | 3 Months | ||
| Target Specifications: | Height: N/A<br> Caliper: N/A<br> Root System: Firm root plug in container.<br> | ||
| Propagule Collection: |
For collection of native plants to propagate by cuttings, you will need: gloves, clippers, zip-lock or plastic garbage bag for collection, and some water. Collect plants from the site, taking care to take only what you need. Collect from areas that have a large enough population so that damage will be minimal. Gently pull or cut strands of plants from main patch. Place in trash bag or plastic bag. Add a small amount of water to bag and store in a dry, cool, shady area. |
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| Propagule Processing: | Cuttings can be stored overnight, but immediate propagation following collection is best. | ||
| Pre-Planting Treatments: |
Work in a shady area once back in the nursery. Use clean 3 «" pots arranged in tray. Use well drained potting mix. Fill pots about 1/3 full. Cut plants into desired lengths, at least 3 nodes per strand (6-8 inches in length). Place about 3 strands in each pot. This is done because the success rate for cuttings is usually not 100% but more like 75-80% and so using a few strands per pot increases the likelihood that at least 1 strand per pot will be successful. Fill the rest of the pot with potting mix. |
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| Growing Area Preparation/ Annual Practices for Perennial Crops: |
Cuttings need to be kept in a moist humid environment. In the nursery, this can be achieved by misting plants several times during the day to keep them moist. Potting media is Sunshine Mix potting soil, and is used in a 2 to 1 or 3 to 1 (v:v) potting soil to sand ratio. |
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| Establishment Phase: | Plants will begin to develop roots as early as a couple weeks. | ||
| Length of Establishment Phase: | 1 month | ||
| Active Growth Phase: |
The nursery's irrigation system is comprised of sprinkler heads which are manually operated. The sprinklers are misters and should be maintained so that they flow freely. Potted plants are watered daily, either in the morning or the evening. Diseases and insects are controlled by removing them manually off plants, sticky traps or using a solution of soapy water. Be sure to rinse soapy solution off plants after a few hours. Row covers physically prevent insects and birds from landing on plants. |
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| Length of Active Growth Phase: | 2 months | ||
| References: |
Bornhorst, H. L. 1996. Growing native Hawaiian plants, a how-to guide for the gardener. The Bess Press, Inc., Hong Kong. Bruegmann, M. M. 1998. Report on a botanical survey of Midway Atoll, April 1-7, 1995. U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Christophersen, E. and E. L. Caum. 1931. Vascular Plants of the Leeward Island. Hawai'i. Bernice P. Bishop Museum Bulletin 81, Tanager Expedition Publication Number 7, Honolulu. Lilleeng-Rosenberger, K. date unknown. Propagation techniques for native Hawaiian plants. National Tropical Botanical Garden. Morin, M. and S. Conant. 1998. Laysan Island ecosystem restoration plan. University of Hawai'i. Neal, M. C. 1965. In gardens of Hawai'i. Bishop Museum Press, special publication 50, Honolulu. Wagner, W. L., D. R. Herbst, S. H. Sohmer. 1990. Manual of the flowering plants of Hawai'i, 2 vols. Bishop Museum Special Publication 83, Honolulu. Whistler, W. A. 1992. Flowers of the Pacific island seashore. University of Hawai'i Press, Honolulu. |
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Citation:
Martz, Kim; Starr, Forest. 2003. Propagation protocol for production of Container (plug) Boerhavia repens L. plants 3.5 in containerized cutting; USDI USFWS - Midway Atoll National Wildlife Refuge Honolulu, Hawaii. In: Native Plant Network. URL: https://NativePlantNetwork.org (accessed 2024/07/01). US Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, National Center for Reforestation, Nurseries, and Genetic Resources.
