Sporobolus (virginicus)
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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: | Poaceae | ||
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| Family Common Name: | Grass Family | ||
| Scientific Name: | Sporobolus virginicus (L.) Kunth. | ||
| Common Synonym: | Agrostis virginica L. | ||
| Common Name: | 'Aki 'aki | ||
| Species Code: | SPOVIR | ||
| General Distribution: |
Indigenous to Hawai'i. Native to sandy, usually coastal sites in tropical and subtropical areas worldwide. In Hawai'i, common on coastal dunes and other coastal sites, from just above the high-tide mark, 0-15 m elevation. Historically known from Midway Atoll and Laysan but currently not known from there. |
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| Propagation Goal: | plants | ||
| Propagation Method: | vegetative | ||
| ProductType: | Container (plug) | ||
| Stock Type: | 3.5 in containerized cutting | ||
| Time To Grow: | 6 Months | ||
| Target Specifications: | Height: N/A<br> Caliper: N/A<br> Root System: Firm root plug in container.<br> | ||
| Propagule Collection: |
Because plants are no longer found in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands, plant material will need to be shipped from the main islands. |
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| Propagule Processing: | This species can be propagated by divisions. Rhizomes could be sent from other islands and divided into sections. | ||
| Pre-Planting Treatments: | Individual rhizome sections can be transplanted into pots filled with potting media. | ||
| Growing Area Preparation/ Annual Practices for Perennial Crops: |
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. 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. 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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| Establishment Phase: | Rhizome sections with a leaf bud will sprout leaves in a few weeks. | ||
| Length of Establishment Phase: | 1 month | ||
| Length of Active Growth Phase: | 5 months | ||
| Other Comments: | No seeds of this species have ever been observed by the authors. | ||
| 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) Sporobolus virginicus (L.) Kunth. plants 3.5 in containerized cutting; USDI USFWS - Midway Atoll National Wildlife Refuge Honolulu, Hawaii. In: Native Plant Network. URL: https://NativePlantNetwork.org (accessed 2025/02/23). US Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, National Center for Reforestation, Nurseries, and Genetic Resources.
