Apocynaceae (Cerbera)

Protocol Information for:

Label_title:
Cerbera (manghas)

Family Names:

Family Scientific Name:
Apocynaceae

Family Common Name:
Plumeria Family

Scientific Names:

Genus:
Cerbera

Species:
manghas

Scientific Classification:

Scientific SubSpecies:

Species Authority:

Scientific SubAuthority:

Authors:

Sleeper Sared

Common Synonym:

Genus:

Species:

Synonym Classification:

Synonym SubSpecies:

Species Authority:

Synonym SubAuthority:

Other Information:

Common Name:
native plumera

Species Code:
CERMAN

Ecotype:
Chuuk state

General Distribution:
Cerbera manghas inhabits lowland swamp forest adjacent to mangrove forests. it is found on several islands of the Carolines.

Known Invasiveness:

Propagation Goal:
plants

Propagation Method:
vegetative

Product Type:
Container (plug)

Stock Type:
3L (1 gal) polybag

Grow Time:
4 Months

Target Specifications:
Height: 20 cm
Caliper: N/A
Root System: Firm root plug.

Propagation Collection:
Stem cuttings that are 15 to 20 cm long are collected throughout the year, but preferably, before or after the flowering period. Thus, we collect cuttings 4 times per year. Stems produce a milky sap.
During collection, stem cuttings need to be kept moist and cool, and must be treated immediately after collection.

Propagation Processing/Propagule Characteristics:

Pre-Planting Propagule Treatments:
Leaves are removed from the stems. Cuttings are stuck into containers same day of collection. cuttings will root 90% or greater without the use of rooting hormones. We use a well drained medium of 2:1 (v:v) sand and compost.

Growing Area Preparation / Annual Practices for Perennial Crops:
The Chuuk State nursery is located and has an average year round growing season with periods of high rainfall (up to 6400 mm).
The facility is comprised of a greenhouse, shade structures, and an outdoor growing compound. All propagation environments are utilized at different stages of seedling growth to protect seedlings from heavy rains, and provide to temperature and shading variance during production. We irrigate all containers by hand.
We only use organic fertlizers and pesticides or pest control methods.

Establishment Phase:
Cuttings begin to form roots 2 to 4 weeks after sticking into containers. Medium is kept evenly moist during rooting, but not wet.

Length of Establishment Phase:
4 weeks

Active Growth Phase:
After cuttings are well established and new leaves emerge, we irrigate and fertilize as needed. Cuttings remain in greenhouse for another 4 weeks. They are moved to the open growing compound that is covered with a 55% shadecloth during of intense summer heat. Containers are watered daily with occasional deep irrigation to leach out accumulated salts.

Length of Active Growth Phase:
8 weeks

Hardening Phase:
Irrigation frequency and duration is gradually reduced for 4 weeks prior to outplanting. The shadecloth is removed from the open growing compound

Length of Hardening Phase:
4 weeks

Harvesting, Storage and Shipping:
Containerized seedlings are stored in the open growing compound until moved to outplanting site.

Length of Storage:
Variable; depends on outplanting date.

Guidelines for Outplanting / Performance on Typical Sites:

Other Comments:

References:

Citation:
Sared, Sleeper. 2005. Propagation protocol for production of Container (plug) Cerbera manghas plants 3L (1 gal) polybag; Chuuk State Nursery Weno, Chuuk State, Federated States of Micronesia. In: Native Plant Network. URL: https://NativePlantNetwork.org (accessed 2025/05/06). US Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, National Center for Reforestation, Nurseries, and Genetic Resources.

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