RA5 PAPER: Propagation methods for Syzygium maire

Sexual and asexual propagation of Syzygium maire, a critically endangered Myrtaceae species of New Zealand

January 2023

Bettoni JC, van der Walt K, Souza JA, McLachlan A, Nadarajan J. 2023. Sexual and asexual propagation of Syzygium maire, a critically endangered Myrtaceae species of New Zealand. New Zealand Journal of Botany: 62(1): 35-52.

ABSTRACT

Syzygium maire (swamp maire) is an endemic New Zealand Myrtaceae tree species. Current threats to this species include habitat destruction, myrtle rust, declining remnant populations and low capacity for natural regeneration. Large-scale replanting for conservation/restoration initiatives would mitigate against these threats. However, there is limited information available on propagation of this species. In this study, we looked at sexual propagation using seed germination and asexual propagation using softwood cuttings.

KEYWORDS

Austropuccinia psidii; auxins; cuttings; germination; seeds; swamp maire; threatened; endemic species