งานวิจัยและบทความ

Hovenia dulcis Thunb. (Rhamnaccae) is a rare native tree species secently added to Thailand's flora, found in strcam vallcys in primary lower montane cvergreen forest 1,075- 1,250 m above sca Jevel. It is a deciduous tree, shedding its leaves from late August to February, It flowers from December to May and fruits from August to January. Seeds begin to germinate 17-77 days after sowing and continue to do so over several months. A detailed description of the seedling is presented. Due to the rarity of this spccics, we recor mmend including it in tree planting programs for forest restoration to prevent its local extinction and to increase the divessity of regenerating forests. To produce seedlings, seeds should be collected in November-January and planted in nurseries under n modcrate shade (about 40% fuil sunlight) in forest soil with high organic matter content. The seeds and seedlings should be kept well watered and protected from animals. UInder favourabie conditions, scedlings should rcach a size suitable for planting in less than 12 months. Stream valleys in degraded evergreen forest at 1,000-1,300 m above sea level arc the most promising planting sites for this specics, but expcriments at othcr sitcs are recommended.