Important Trees of Haiti

ity in the type of cash crops that can be
grown in association with the tree. In field
gardens, crops are grown right up to the
base of the tree. Lateral branches are cut to
control seasonal light demands, and to provide
fodder and fuelwood. It is a common
shade tree of the gardens grown near the
home, particularly those associated with
coffee and cocoa groves (Fig. 2.8).
Propagation: C. arborescens is tricky to
raise from seed. The hard seed coat inhibits
germination, often giving erratic results in
the nursery. The most common method to
overcome seed dormancy is to immerse the
seed in hot water and soak the seed for several
days, changing the water daily (Josiah,
1989). However, experimental data do not
support this method as being the best one.
Probably the most important aspect of propagating
the species in a containerized system
is to keep the germinating seed environment
humid by placing shade cloth over the
containers. Generally, the seed is sown in
greater quantities to compensate for poor
germination, with multiple emergents being
transplanted or thinned. Seedlings ready for
field planting require about 4 weeks in the
shade and a total of 14 weeks in containers,
such as the Rootrainer or Winstrip. Sunscald
and overwatering are common problems
associated with nursery culture. The species
can be top-pruned prior to planting in the
field. A virus is postulated to attack the
species in the nursery (Josiah, 1989), causing
leaves to exhibit mosaic-type symptoms,
with a mottled appearance and curled, shriveled
leaf margins (Fig. 2.9). Tourigny
(J 987) proposed that the virus is transmitted
by the citrus aphid, Toxoptera aurantii, (B.
de F), and that effective control of aphids
might solve this problem.
Barbour (1926) describes how Haitian
farmers in the Cayes area " sow seed of a
tree they call bois pete in wood lots behind
their houses." However, in a detailed study
Bwa Pie 17
Figure 2.7 Lumber of C. arborescens is
used in construction and furniture making.
Figure 2.8 A stand of C. arborescens
used as coffee shade and timber.