In vitro culture of two threatened south african medicinal trees: Ocotea bullata and Warburgia salutaris

Abstract

The aim of the project was to develop micropropagation procedures for theheavily exploited and endangered South African trees black stinkwood (Ocotea bullata) and pepperbark (Warburgia salutaris) to facilitateconservation and reforestation. Both species are difficult to establish andgrow in tissue culture because of their high phenolic content. A protocol forthe establishment of explants in vitro was developed comprisingdecontamination, the application of antioxidants and cold treatment.