Important Trees of Haiti

Figure 3.3 C. alliodora grows tall and
straight, with a self-pruning bole that is
harvested for lumber.
Bwa Soumi 25
easily replace shade species such as Inga vera and Albizia saman with a more valuable
harvest potential. The flowers of the tree are an important source of food for bees during
the dry season. The seeds and leaves are used in home medicines, mostly for ailments
related to throat infections and chest colds. A leaf decoction compress is applied
to sores (Liogier, 1990).
Propagation: Seedlings are raised from
seed either as stumps, striplings, or in containers
for field planting. The seed loses viability
rapidly after several weeks unless it is
properly stored at low moisture contents «
10 % moisture content and 4-5 0 C). Seed is
sown directly in containers and lightly covered
with potting medium. Propagation in
small containers, such as Rootrainers and
Winstrips, require approximately 18-20
weeks for seedlings to reach sufficient size
for field planting. Shade is required for the
first 3--4 weeks prior to full sun. No serious
pests or diseases have been encountered
with propagating the species from seed in
Haiti.
Stump planting is a slower and less-utilized
method, though cost saving, to propagate
the species. Raised nursery beds are
sown in rows 15 cm apart and thinned to a
spacing of 15 cm x 15 cm. Stumps are prepared
when root collar diameters reach 1
cm; shoots are pruned to 5-10 cm and roots
are pruned to 10-20 cm. Seedlings up to 3
m tall have been balled and transplanted with 100% survival (Johnston and Morales,
1972). Transplanting of volunteers from beneath select stands is another alternative that
is utilized in Asia and Central America.
Grafting methods are employed for clonal seed orchard stock:, with the side-veneer
technique (Boshier and Mesen, 1987), though techniques are difficult and are not practiced
for general purposes.
Growth Performance: The species has failed at Cabaret and Terrier Rouge, both sites
being too severe for the species with droughts extending 3-5 months. Table 3.1 summarizes
the data that are available for the growth of this species in Haiti. Survival is
mediocre, averaging 50-60%. After 3 years, annual growth in the Central Plateau can be
considered marginal with annual height increments under a meter. In contrast, at low
elevation sites with soils ranging from sandy loams (Berault, Fauche, Cazeau) to clayey
loams (Pemel, Roche Blanche), annual height increments of 1.5-2.0 m are normal (Fig.
3.4). Trees selected for superior traits at Cazeau, the oldest trial known to exist in Haiti,
are averaging annual height and stem diameter increments of 2.3 m yr- I and 2.9 cm yr- I ,