Tree species for plantations in the granitic uplands of Puerto Rico /

Abstract

Thirty-two tree species were tested for adaptability in Puerto Rico's humid, granitic uplands, a region of sandy, well drained, erosive soils. Based on adaptability and potential wood uses the following species are recommended for timber plantations: Honduras pine for most landowners; mahoe for those willing to speculate on development of a demand for this cabinet wood; kadam for those with special interest in this lightweight, general utility wood, and those with severe weed problems; and eucalyptus or casuarina for owners interested only in post and pole crops. RESUMEN Treinta y dos especies de arboles fueron probadas para su adaptabilidad a las alturas graniticas y humedas de Puerto Rico, una region de suelos erosivos, bien drenados, y arenosos.Basado en la adaptabilidad y usos potenciales de la madera, las siguientes especies son recomendadas para plantaciones maderables: pino hondureno para la mayoria de los duenos de terrenos; mahoe para aquellos que esten dispuestos a especular en el desarrollo de una demanda por esta madera para gabinetes; kadam para aquellos con interes especial en esta madera liviana y de utilidad general, y para aquellos con problemas graves de yerbajos; y eucalipto o casuarina para los duenos de terreno que solamente esten interesados en la produccion de postes para veijas y para construccion.

Must Honduras pine be weeded frequently in Puerto Rico? /

“…hondurensis Barr. & Golf, is recommended for reforestation in Puerto Rico on soils of the plutonic uplands, the so-called granitic soils (1,3), but a landowner could be discouraged from growing pine by the weeding specified in the general recommendations. Therefore, this study was initiated to determine the least amount of weeding required for good survival and a reasonable rate of growth in newly established plantations.…”

Research History and Opportunities in the Luquillo Experimental Forest

“…Between 1959-61, several dozen additional species were tested in single-tree-plot adaptability trials at three locations. These trials were part of a much larger island-wide assessment of potential commercial species (Geary and Briscoe 1972). An arboretum near El Verde, initially started in 1960, now has over 100 species plan ted in it.…”