Syzygium (inophylloides)

Aitasi Sameli Forestry Nursery Manager Endangered Plant Program P.O. Box 5319 Pago Pago, American Samoa 96799 www.brenau.edu

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Family Scientific Name:	Myrtaceae
Family Common Name:	Myrtle Family
Scientific Name:	Syzygium inophylloides (A. Gray) C. Muell.
Common Name:	Asi
Species Code:	SYZINO
Ecotype:	American Samoa
General Distribution:	Large tree common in lowland to montane forest, reported from near sea level to 1120 m elevation in Samoa. Indigenous to American Samoa; also found on Niue and Futuna.
Propagation Goal:	plants
Propagation Method:	seed
ProductType:	Container (plug)
Time To Grow:	0
Propagule 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.
Propagule Processing:	1. Ripen seedsin 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 Treatments:	Seeds are sometimes soaked in water before planting to hasten germination and overcome dormancy. Water is absorbed by dry seeds and the moisture content increases rapidly at first, then it levels off. The seed swells and the seed coat may break open. Hot or cold water can be used. Hand-hot water (120-135 degrees F) is recommended for harder seed coats. At the same time, non-viable seeds can be discarded after soaking 12 hours or so. They tend to float while the, viable seed sink. Soaking time can vary from a couple of minutes to 72 hours or more, depending on the seed coat. Use about twice as much water as seeds. The thicker the coat, the longer the soaking time. Change water daily.
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 itsvolume 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.
Active Growth Phase:	Once a month, foliar feed the plants with a complete low dose, liquid fertilizer or as needed.
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. 2004. Propagation protocol for production of Container (plug) Syzygium inophylloides (A. Gray) C. Muell. plants Endangered Plant Program Pago Pago, American Samoa. In: Native Plant Network. URL: https://NativePlantNetwork.org (accessed 2024/05/02). US Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, National Center for Reforestation, Nurseries, and Genetic Resources.