Pot host and media treatments towards kayu papi’s (Exocarpus latifolius R.Br) growth

Abstract

Kayu papi or shrub sandalwood (Exocarpus latifolius R.Br.) is a hemiparasitic plant, member of Santalacea family which incorporated host plant on their nutrient absorption. Kayu papi is a fragrant wood that can mimic and perhaps substitute sandalwood (Santalum album Linn.). Many studies recorded that exocarpic acid derived from kayu papi is also beneficial as a tuberculosis remedy. However, the information on silvicultural techniques has only been investigated just a few times. This study aimed to examine the effect of host plants and media combination on kayu papi’s growth under the nursery condition. Kayu papi seedlings were planted with five different hosts and control (without host plant) on six different media. The parameters are the height and diameter of the seven-month kayu papi seedlings. The result indicates that host plants significantly affected kayu papi’s growth. The interaction between the host plant (Alternanthera spp.) and media combination latosol soil and manure also significantly promoted the height of kayu papi. While kayu papi grown in grumusol with Saorupus androgynous host showed the highest diameter on average. In conclusion, kayu papi seedlings indicate that host plant presence and particular media optimized their growth.