A specimen of the dove tree, Davidia 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.
The leaf was cut in half crosswise to prevent excess evaporation, 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.
Prevent Wilting
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.
The temperature during the day was 70° to 80° degrees Fahrenheit. and at night 00° to 68° degrees Fahrenheit.
With sand, the temperature was kept at 70° degrees Fahrenheit. Eighty-five percent of these cuttings are rooted.
It was necessary to leave the material in the rooting medium for five weeks to obtain this percentage.
Treatment of Cuttings
The cuttings were potted into sandy soil using 3-inch pots. When rooted, they were placed in a cool dark pit during winter at 35° to 40° degrees Fahrenheit.
On the 10th of April, they were brought from the pit and 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 the usual stem-cutting method.
44659 by Lewis Lipp