Lawsonia inermis (Lythraceae): From the Wild to the Garden

This study is a successful effort undertaken to introduce Lawsonia inermis a native plant, to the landscape industry. It can be propagated by seeds. However, seeds are not available throughout the year. Therefore, the present study was conducted with the objective of identifying a suitable propagule and a media to propagate L. inermis. Flowering phenology, including animal visitors were observed to elucidate the landscape potential of the plant. In the propagation experiment three maturity stages of stem cuttings viz. softwood, semi hardwood and hardwood were planted in two different media (sand, sand + coir dust 1:1). The layout of the experiment was Randomized completely block design. Twelve weeks after planting, rooting percentage, root dry weight and root number were recorded. Mass flowering was recorded twice a year in L. inermis where 75% of the canopy was covered with flowers. Flowers are attractive, scented and bloomed in the morning and last for two days. It attracts butterflies, bees and birds. Tree architecture is attractive and the plant can fit into a small space. It is also capable of tolerating adverse environmental conditions. A significant difference was observed in root dry weight and number of roots produced in different treatment combinations and softwood cuttings recorded the highest rooting percentage (71 %) in sand medium. Therefore, L. inermis can be promoted in urban landscaping and as a solution to the scarcity of planting material, softwood cutting grown in sand media can be recommended as the potential propagule and the media to introduce Lawsonia inermis to the landscape industry in Sri Lanka. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.4038/jepsl.v3i2.7846 Journal of Environmental Professionals Sri Lanka: 2014 Vol. 3 No. 2: 48-5