Rubiaceae (Psychotria)

Protocol Information for:

Label_title:
Psychotria (insularum)

Family Names:

Family Scientific Name:
Rubiaceae

Family Common Name:
Coffee Family

Scientific Names:

Genus:
Psychotria

Species:
insularum

Scientific Classification:

Scientific SubSpecies:

Species Authority:
A. Gray

Scientific SubAuthority:

Authors:

Aitasi Sameli

Common Synonym:

Genus:

Species:

Synonym Classification:

Synonym SubSpecies:

Species Authority:

Synonym SubAuthority:

Other Information:

Common Name:
Matalafi

Species Code:
PSYINS

Ecotype:
American Samoa

General Distribution:
Matalafi is a small tree common in coastal to montane forest, reported from near sea level to 1400 m elevation in Samoa. Indigenous in American Samoa; also found in Tonga, Futuna, `Uvea, Rotuma, and Niue.

Known Invasiveness:

Propagation Goal:
plants

Propagation Method:
seed

Product Type:
Container (plug)

Stock Type:

Grow Time:
0

Target Specifications:

Propagation Collection:
For optimum germination, collect seeds that are mature or ripe. If seeds are gathered when the embryo is insufficiently developed, the seed is apt to be thin, shriveled, poor in quality and short-lived, impairing germination.

Propagation Processing/Propagule Characteristics:
1. Ripen seeds in a plastic bag. Seeds are easier to clean when the pulp is softened.
2. Once ripened, remove the flesh to prevent spoilage.One way is to put the seeds in a large bowl of water, then massage the seeds by hand to separate the seeds from the pulp. The heavy, good seeds will sink to bottom. The lighter pulp and empty seeds will float to the top and can be poured off.
3. Wash the seeds thoroughly.
4. Dry them on a paper towel.

Pre-Planting Propagule Treatments:
Seeds from wet habitats generally do not require any pre-treatment. They need to have the pulp completely removed from the seeds or they will succumb to fungi and molds, and many rot. Pre-treating seeds with fungicides can help prevent seed and seedling diseases.

Growing Area Preparation / Annual Practices for Perennial Crops:
Greenhouse and outdoor nursery environment.
The germination medium must retain moisture, yet provide good drainage and aeration. Different blends of soil mix, perlite and cinder are used. A- 1 parts perlite to 1 part sterilized soil B- 1 parts fine cinders to 1 part sterilized soil.
Sowing Method: Transplanting emergents

Establishment Phase:
After 2 to 4 true leaves have appeared, the seedlings should be transplanted. Remove the seedlings from the medium with your finger, a pencil, or your hand by moving in under the medium and seedling. Handle the seedling by their leaves, not, which is easily damage by pressure. Be very careful to avoid root damage. Choose a container according to the size and structure of the root system of plant. Fill the container with one third its volume of growing medium, add the seedlings, then add the remaining media, cover roots, and tap down gently to stabilize the plant.
Water thoroughly after transplanting. It is critical that the media drains freely. To test this make that water does not sit on top of the media when watered. Keep transplanted seedlings in a covered, shaded area for 1 to 2 weeks. To prevent post-emergence damping-off disease, add a thin layer of perlite to the surface or keep the media somewhat dry on top. A recommended growing medium is: 2 parts sterilized soil to 2 parts perlite (v:v).
Plants are sensitive to high doses of fertilizer. Use a balanced fertilizer such as triple 8 and triple 20 N:P:K at one half the recommended rate. Micro nutrients are also helpful. Add the fertilizer when mixing the medium, do not apply as a top dressing to the surface after potting.

Length of Establishment Phase:

Active Growth Phase:
Once a month, foliar feed the plants with a complete low dose, liquid fertilizer or as needed.

Length of Active Growth Phase:

Hardening Phase:

Length of Hardening Phase:

Harvesting, Storage and Shipping:

Length of Storage:

Guidelines for Outplanting / Performance on Typical Sites:

Other Comments:

References:
Whistler, A. 2000. Trees of Polynesia. Isle Botanica. December 2000.
Whistler, A. 2000. Annotated Checklist of the Vascular Flora of American Samoa.

Citation:
Sameli, Aitasi. 2005. Propagation protocol for production of Container (plug) Psychotria insularum A. Gray plants Endangered Plant Program Pago Pago, American Samoa. In: Native Plant Network. URL: https://NativePlantNetwork.org (accessed 2025/05/09). US Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, National Center for Reforestation, Nurseries, and Genetic Resources.

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