The Dove Tree
A specimen of the dove tree, Dapidia involucrata, a native of Western China, grows on top of Bussey Hilt at the Arnold Arboretum in the rather poor, stony soil of a well-drained area. This handsome tree has large, bright-green leaves, and hears conspicuous flowers with beautiful, creamy-white bracts that look like petals. Since there is a wide interest in this desirable tree, it seemed necessary to find a new method whereby it could be propagated more easily.
Cuttings in September
Leaf-bud cuttings similar to those taken from broad-leaved rhododendrons were used. In September, from half ripened wood, taking one leaf with the axillary bud, the stem was cut so that a piece about one inch long remained with the leaf bud. To prevent excess evaporation, the leaf was cut in half crosswise, leaving only the basal end with the bud on the stem. The powder dip method was used in the field using Itormodin #’2. Soon after, these cuttings were inserted in coarse bank sand.
In order to prevent wilting, the cutting bench was shaded with Saran screening. Frequent syringing with a mist to eliminate heavier watering was found to be the most favorable method. Temperature during the day was 70-80�F. and at night 00-68�F. With sand the temperature was kept at 70�F. Eighty-five percent of these cuttings rooted. To obtain this percentage, it was necessary to leave the material in the rooting medium for five weeks.
Treatment of Cuttings
The cuttings were potted into sandy soil, using three-inch pots. When rooted, they were placed in a cool dark pit during the Winter months at 35-40�F. On the tenth of April, they were brought from the pit, placed in a warm greenhouse and within two months the buds broke. Splendid plants developed from them.
Propagation by this method should be considered, for many more plants can be had than by the usual stem cutting method.
Learn about 100’s of topics - Find thousands of articles at plant-care.com, including:
