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Abstract
Due to renewed interest in the use of native tree species for landscaping and urban forestry purposes in the USVI, demand for these plants has grown. Many of these trees are not readily available, difficult to collect seed from, or extremely slow-growing. Preliminary studies were conducted to assess the potential for propagating 12 native trees vegetatively. Treatments were five commercially-available rooting hormones (RooTone, Dip'NGrow, Hormex 16, 30 and 45) and a distiiled-water control. Cecropia peltata, Citharexylum fruticosum, Pisonia subcordata and Tabebuia heterophylla cuttings produced roots in all treatments. Species that did not root by cuttings were airlayered with two commercial rooting hormones (Dip'NGrow, Hormex 30) and a distiiled-water control as treatments. Only Guaiacum officinale and Mammea americana airlayers produced roots. These initial studies indicate that Cecropia peltata, Citharexylum fruticosum, Pisonia subcordata and Tabebuia heterophylla can be successfully rooted using standard cutting practices. There is some indication that Guaiacum officinale and Mammea americana may be propagated by airlayering. Further research needs to be conducted to determine procedures for the induction of roots in Calophyllum calaba, Capparis cynophallophora, Cordia nitida, Cordia rickseckerii, Inga laurina and Zanthoxylumflavum.