Regeneration of mamane: effects of seedcoat treatment and sowing depth

Author:

Scowcroft, Paul G.

Title:

Regeneration of mamane: effects of seedcoat treatment and sowing depth

Periodical:

Forest Science

Year:

1981

Volume:

27

Pages:

771-779

Subject:

Mamane Sophora chrysophylla Sowing

Summary:

An endemic Hawaiian leguminous tree, the mamane (Sophora chrysophylla), is critical habitat for the endemic and endangered Palila (Psittirostra bailleui), bird. It is also a major part of the xeric forest ecosystem of Mauna Kea, on the island of Hawaii. In addition, the upper forest of Mauna Kea is thought to be home to fifteen rare and endangered native plant species. However, feral sheep (Ovis aries), have suppressed the growth of the mamane and other tree reproduction as they stripped bark from tree stems, consumed herbaceous vegetation, and left the soil exposed to accelerated erosion for approximately 200 years. As these native plant species have become endangered, so has the Palila. Since the reestablishment of the mamane will likely take a long time to occur even after the last feral animal is removed from this habitat, the objective of this study was to determine the effect that seedcoat treatment and sowing depth might have on the mamane seedling emergence as well as its initial survival under field conditions since the mamane soil seed bank may have been depleted and the growing conditions for this tree species is harsh.

Label:

Botany - Mamane

URL:

https://www.fs.fed.us/psw/publications/scowcroft/psw_1981_scowcroft001.pdf

Collection:

Periodicals