Important Trees of Haiti

Kajou Peyi... Kajou Etranje S1
of the wood in turnery and sculpture. Much of the branchwood and crooked stems is
converted to charcoal, particularly in the regions of Haiti isolated from the urban markets
by poor roads. High-grade timber is used locally for window frames, doors, sills
and interior woodwork, or is exported to the urban market.
S. mahagoni is a medicinal plant throughout the Caribbean. The bark is considered
an astringent and taken orally as a decoction for diarrhea, as a source of vitamins
and iron, and as a medicine used to induce hemorrhage. When the bark is steeped
to a red liquid, it is taken to clear blood, increase appetite, and regain strength in cases
of tuberculosis (Ayensu, 1981).
Farmers generally plant the species along the boundary of gardens or around
the courtyard garden, where it provides deep shade. A widespread belief in Haiti is that
S. mahagoni dries the soil and makes it "hot." This is particularly true in the drier
regions where soil moisture is already marginal for adequate crop production. S. macrophylla
does not suffer this reputation, being planted in regions of Haiti where rainfall is
greater than 1500 mm and used as shade for coffee.
Figure 6.7 Transplanting volunteer seedlings is the
easiest method for establishing S. mahagoni at new
locations.
Propagation: Most farmers in
Haiti who transplant seedlings
do so from naturally-regenerated
stock in the field (Fig.
6.7). The species generally is
propagated from seed for
mass production of seedlings
in containerized systems, such
as the Winstrip and
Rootrainer. Seed is sown
shortly after harvest, considering
the short viability of the
seed under ambient conditions.
Seed usually is prepared
by breaking the seed
wing to facilitate germination.
The heavy part of the seed is
planted into the soil with the
top portion slightly exposed.
Looping of the hypocotyl is a
problem and these seedlings
are replaced with transplants
from a germination bed. Both
species require about 18
weeks to prepare seedlings for
outplant, with the initial 3
weeks in the shade and the
final 4 weeks for hardening
off. Sunscald is a problem if
the seedlings are exposed