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The Forest Service National Center for Reforestation, Nurseries, and Genetic Resources (RNGR) is a leading source of technical information for nurseries and land managers regarding production and planting of trees and other native plants for reforestation, restoration, and conservation.

 
NPN Protocol Details Image

Reynoldsia (sandwicensis)

Kim Wilkinson
Craig Elevitch
Permanent Agriculture Resources
P.O. Box 428
Holualoa, Hawaii 96725
808-324-4427
808-324-4129 (fax)
par@agroforestry.net
www.agroforestry.net

Family Scientific Name: Araliaceae
Family Common Name: Ginseng
Scientific Name: Reynoldsia sandwicensis A. Gray
Common Name: `Ohe, `ohe kukuluae'o, `ohe makai, `ohe'ohe (Ni'ihau), `oheokai
Ecotype: dry to mesic forest, 30 - 800 m
General Distribution: Endemic to all main Hawaiian islands except Kauai and Kaho'olawae
Propagation Goal: plants
Propagation Method: seed
ProductType: Container (plug)
Time To Grow: 0
Target Specifications: Height: 20 cm; Stem diameter: 10 mm
Propagule Collection: Ripe fruits are dark purple and have juicy flesh. A pole pruner is useful in collecting the seeds directly from the tree when ripe. Collect from trees close to the area where the nursery stock will be outplanted.
Propagule Processing: If the flesh of the collected mature seeds is not quite soft, the fruit can be ripened in a partially opened plastic bag for a few days. The pulp surrounding the seeds should be removed. Rubbing the ripe seeds together under water will separate seed from pulp. The pulp is poured off in successive water rinses, leaving the healthy seeds on the bottom. Cleaned seeds should be air dried to avoid fungal infection. It is recommended to sow the cleaned and air dried seeds immediately. However, if storage is required, putting the air-dried seeds in a paper bag placed in a cool location is recommended.
Pre-Planting Treatments: None used.
Growing Area Preparation/
Annual Practices for Perennial Crops:
A rain- and wind-protected but sunlit area (such as a cold-frame with clear film roof) is recommended for germination in trays. Germinate the seeds in trays filled with 1 part peat to 3 parts perlite or vermiculite only. Warm, moist and light conditions are beneficial for optimum germination. After the germination and early establishment phase, moderate shade (20 -30%) is used for growing out the individual seedlings in containers.
Establishment Phase: Soak the seeds in water for a few hours, and remove the floaters. Sprinkle the seeds evenly over a mix consisting of 3 parts perlite to 1 part peat. Cover lightly with 5-10 mm of mix. Keep moist with a fine sprayer so as not to disturb the seeds or the medium. Partial shade of 20 - 30% is necessary for germination. Germination takes 1 - 6 months.
Length of Establishment Phase: 2 months
Active Growth Phase: When the seedlings reach the 4-leaf stage, carefully transplant to individual containers for the growth phase. Andersen Band Pots 2 3/8" by 5" inches deep or other root-training containers of similar or greater volume (164 ml) work well. One gallon root-training containers can also be used.A well-drained potting media such as 50% Sunshine peat moss, 25% perlite, 25% vermiculite, amended with a little compost, dolomite lime, gypsum, micronutrients and slow-release fertilizer such as osmocote 14-14-14 is used. Seedlings should be grown in light shade and moved after 1 -2 months into full sun. Keep seedlings well spaced apart to allow maximum penetration of sunlight and air circulation. In some cases, amending with additional fertilizer such as a light top dressing of Gro-More 8-8-8 will aid in growth and development.
Length of Active Growth Phase: 8 months
Hardening Phase: Growers should continue to ensure that seedlings receive full sun. Seedlings should never be allowed to dry out, but watering frequency may be reduced to introduce seedlings to temporary, moderate water stress.
Length of Hardening Phase: 2 months
Harvesting, Storage and Shipping: When seedlings have reached target size, they may be delivered to the planting site. Keeping them in their containers help protect the roots and allows the plants to stand up in cardboard boxes. Seedlings must be protected from wind and excessive heat during transport, but refrigeration is not recommended. Empty containers and trays may be returned after the planting is complete.
References: University of Hawaii College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources. 2001. Hawaiian Native Plant Propagation Database. Honolulu, HI. Web: http://www2.hawaii.edu/~eherring/hawnprop/rey-sand.htm


Wagner, Warren L., Darrel R. Herbst, and S. H. Sohmer. 1990. Manual of the flowering plants of Hawai'i. 2 vols., Bishop Museum Special Publication 83. University of Hawaii Press and Bishop Museum Press. Honolulu.

Citation:

Elevitch, Craig R.; Wilkinson, Kim M.. 2003. Propagation protocol for production of Container (plug) Reynoldsia sandwicensis A. Gray plants Permanent Agriculture Resources Holualoa, Hawaii. In: Native Plant Network. URL: https://NativePlantNetwork.org (accessed 2024/07/01). US Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, National Center for Reforestation, Nurseries, and Genetic Resources.