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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

Crescentia (cujete)

Margaret Hayes
Database of Restoration Research on the Colorado Plateau
#2 Brewers Bay
St. Thomas, Virgin Islands 00802-9990
(340) 693-1084
bdaly@uvi.edu
http://www.blm.gov/ut/st/en/prog/more/CPNPP/cpnpp_

Family Scientific Name: Bignoniaceae
Family Common Name: Bignonia FAmily
Scientific Name: Crescentia cujete L.
Common Synonym: Amphitecna latifolia
Common Name: Black Calabash
Species Code: CEDCUJ
Ecotype: St. Croix
General Distribution: C. cujete is found throughout the Caribbean islands and coastal central America.
Propagation Goal: plants
Propagation Method: seed
ProductType: Container (plug)
Time To Grow: 18 Months
Target Specifications: Height: 2 to 3 Ft<br> Caliper: N/A<br> Root System: Firm plug in container.<br> Trees are used for restoration and landscaping.
Propagule Collection: Ripe, whole fruits are collected from the ground after they have dropped from the tree. There are 4 to 6 pea sized seeds per fruit.
Propagule Processing: Fruit cracked open with a hammer and seeds extracted.
Pulp is rubbed off and discarded.
Seeds are planted in deep trays with a mix of local soil and commercial growing medium.
Establishment Phase: Germination is fairly rapid and is complete within a month.
Seedlings are transplanted out of deep teys when they have 2 to 3 leaves.
Other Comments: This species is very rare on St. Croix.
References: Little, E.J., Wadsworth, F.H. 1964. Common Trees of Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. Agriculture Handbook No. 249 U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service. Washington, D.C. 548 pp
Jones, K., 1995.
Native Trees for Community Forests. St. George Village Botanical Garden of St Croix, Inc. 124 pp.

Citation:

Hayes, Margaret. 2003. Propagation protocol for production of Container (plug) Crescentia cujete L. plants Database of Restoration Research on the Colorado Plateau St. Thomas, Virgin Islands. 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.