Ficus Retusa Research Articles

First report of the ficus whitefly Singhiella simplex (Singh, 1931) (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae) in Northern Italy and first observation of its association with the parasitoid wasp Encarsia hispida De Santis, 1948 (Hymenoptera: Aphelinidae) in Europe

AbstractIn February 2024, the ficus whitefly Singhiella simplex (Singh, 1931) (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae) was first reported in a tropical greenhouse and inside a private house in Northern Italy (Vertemate con Minoprio and Monza, respectively – Lombardy Region). The observed ficus whiteflies caused severe defoliation on different Ficus species including Ficus benjamina and Ficus retusa. Several third and fourth larval instars of Singhiella simplex were associated with the parasitoid wasp Encarsia hispida De Santis, 1948 (Hymenoptera: Aphelinidae). Morphological and molecular analyses were performed to identify both S. simplex and E. hispida. Based on current knowledge, this is the first report of the ficus whitefly in Northern Italy as well as the first observation of its association with the parasitoid wasp E. hispida in Europe.

Identifikasi Tumbuhan Mangrove di Hutan Lindung Padu Empat-Lebak Kerawang Desa Batu Ampar Kabupaten Kubu Raya

Mangroves in Batu Ampar Village, West Kalimantan Province are under threat of damage because they are used as various commercial purposes by the local community such as logging mangrove trees for the mangrove charcoal industry. Mangroves have a vital functions for the environment, so that mangrove conservation is necessary. One of the mangrove conservation efforts is to know the types of mangrove plants in an area. The purpose of this study was to identify the types of mangrove plants and categorize into major, minor and associated mangroves found in the Padu Empat-Lebak Kerawang Protection Forest, Batu Ampar Village, West Kalimantan. Data collection used a survey method with a zig-zag cruising technique. There were 3 routes used in this research. The herbarium was made to facilitate the identification of mangrove plants. The identification results showed that there were 7 species of mangrove which included in 5 families: Rhizophoraceae, Arecaceae, Meliaceae, Pteridaceae, and Moraceae. The seven species found were divided into 3 mangrove groups, namely 4 major mangroves including Rhizophora mucronata, Rhizophora apiculata, Bruguiera gymnorrhiza, and Nypa fruticans; 2 minor mangroves including Xylocarpus granatum and Acrostichum speciosum, and 1 associated mangrove, namely Ficus retusa.

Inventarisasi tumbuhan mangrove di Hutan Lindung Tanjung Prapat Muda, Kecamatan Batu Ampar, Kalimantan Barat

Each mangrove ecosystem is diversed which constituted of different vegetations. This also apply for the mangrove area in the Tanjung Prapat Muda Protected Forest, Tanjung Harapan Village, Batu Ampar District. A study of an inventory of mangrove plants was carried out to identify species make up the Tanjung Prapat Muda Protected Forest area. Data collection is conducted alongside the lanes which created by applying the combination of transect and grid lines (transect-plots design). There are 3 lanes with each line consist of 10 plots placed in a zig-zag (right-left) manner. Each plot had sub-plots of different sizes starting from the levels of seedlings (2×2 m), saplings (5×5 m), poles (10×10 m), and trees (20×20 m). Identification was carried out in the field and laboratory. Any unidentified species in the field is documented as herbarium to help identification in the laboratory later. The results shows that there are 7 mangrove species. Five of them are major mangroves (true mangroves), 1 is minor mangrove, and the other 1 are classified as associated mangroves. All the 7 species of plants are belong to 3 families: the Rhizophoraceae, Pteridaceae, and Moraceae families. Five species belong to Rhizophoraceae, namely Rhizophora apiculata, Rhizophora mucronata, Bruguiera gymnorrhiza, Bruguiera parviflora, and Ceriops tagal. The Pteridaceae family consists of one species, namely Acrostichum speciosum, while the Moraceae family only consists of one species, namely Ficus retusa.

Novel Ficus retusa L. aerial root fiber: a sustainable alternative for synthetic fibres in polymer composites reinforcement

Novel Ficus retusa L. aerial root fiber: a sustainable alternative for synthetic fibres in polymer composites reinforcement

Antibacterial and anti-Toxoplasma activities of Aspergillus niger endophytic fungus isolated from Ficus retusa: in vitro and in vivo approach

Emergent records propose that Aspergillus niger endophytic fungus is a vital source for various bioactive molecules possessing many biological properties. The current study was designed to inspect the antibacterial and anti-Toxoplasma potentials of Ficus retusa-derived endophytic fungi. After isolation and identification (using 18S rRNA gene sequencing) of A. niger endophytic fungus, LC/MS was utilized for identification and authentication of the chemical profile of the A. niger endophyte extract. Then, the fungal extract was assessed for its antibacterial and antibiofilm activities against Klebsiella pneumoniae clinical isolates. Additionally, its efficacy against Toxoplasma gondii was elucidated in vivo. The fungal extract displayed antibacterial activity against K. pneumoniae isolates with minimum inhibitory concentration values of 64–512 µg/mL. It also possessed a membrane potential dissipating effect using flow cytometry. Moreover, it formed distorted cells with rough surfaces and deformed shapes using a scanning electron microscope (SEM). Regarding its antibiofilm activity, it resulted in a dysregulation of the genes encoding biofilm formation (fimH, mrkA and mrkD) using qRT-PCR in nine K. pneumoniae isolates. The in vivo anti-Toxoplasma potential was demonstrated by decreasing the mortality rate of mice and reducing the tachyzoites’ count in the peritoneal fluids and liver impression smears of mice. In addition, the deformities of the parasite decreased, as revealed by SEM and the inflammation in tissues diminished. Thus, A. niger endophytic fungi could be a valuable source of antibacterial and anti-Toxoplasma compounds.

Growth characteristics and post trimming regrowth potential of tropical and sub-tropical landscape hedge plants in response to spacing

Spacing of landscape plants is one of the factors determining the outcome of a design in terms of canopy formation which is one of the variables for aesthetic appearance in terms of shapes and forms. This study was conducted between September 2016 and September 2017, to determine the appropriate intra-row spacing for five plant species in hedge formation. The plant species used were Duranta erecta, Hamelia patens, Ficus retusa, Buxus sempervirens and Acalypha wilkesiana. Transplanting was done at intra-row spacing of 30, 40, 50 and 60cm and a constant inter-row spacing of 100cm. The experiment was a Randomized Complete Block Design in split plot arrangement with three replicates. Plant height, number of leaves, number of branches and canopy space, as indices of species suitability for use as hedge, were measured fortnightly. Plant regrowth and aesthetic characteristics were assessed after periodic trimming. H. patens and B. sempervirens species had the tallest plants. B. sempervirens and D. erecta produced the highest number of leaves while D. erecta and H. patens had the highest number of branches. D. erecta had significantly (p<0.05) the fastest post-trimming shoot regrowth rate relative to other species following the 1st and 2nd trimming (25 and 28 WAT respectively). The effect of spacing on shoot regrowth length was significant after the 3rd, 4th and 5th trimmings (31, 34 and 37 WAT respectively). The highest shoot regrowth height was recorded at 40cm spacing followed by 30cm intra row spacing. All species responded best at 50cm intra-row spacing for the number of branches and canopy space as well as early hedge formation. The study concluded that B. sempervirens was suitable for ideal hedging at 40cm intra-row spacing while A. wilkiesiana and H. patens were only suitable as informal hedges. Hence, B. sempervirens species is recommended as the ideal hedge plant choice based on its early regrowth after trimming, high leaf and branch production as well as overall speed in hedge formation at 31WAT.

Characterization and Isolation of the Major Biologically Active Metabolites Isolated from Ficus retusa and Their Synergistic Effect with Tetracycline against Certain Pathogenic-Resistant Bacteria.

Globally, pathogenic microbes have reached a worrisome level of antibiotic resistance. Our work aims to identify and isolate the active components from the bioactive Ficus retusa bark extract and assess the potential synergistic activity of the most major compounds' constituents with the antibiotic tetracycline against certain pathogenic bacterial strains. The phytochemical screening of an acetone extract of F. retusa bark using column chromatography led to the identification of 10 phenolic components. The synergistic interaction of catechin and chlorogenic acid as the most major compounds with tetracycline was evaluated by checkerboard assay followed by time-kill assay, against Bacillus cereus, Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumonia, and Salmonella typhi with fraction inhibitory concentration index values (FICI) of 0.38, 0.43, 0.38, 0.38, 0.38, and 0.75 for catechin and 0.38, 0.65, 0.38, 0.63, 0.38, and 0.75 for chlorogenic acid. The combination of catechin and chlorogenic acid with tetracycline significantly enhanced antibacterial action against gram-positive and gram-negative microorganisms; therefore, catechin and chlorogenic acid combinations with tetracycline could be employed as innovative and safe antibiotics to combat microbial resistance.

Physicochemical, Thermal And Mechanical Properties of Novel Cellulosic Fiber Extracted from Ficus Retusa

ABSTRACT Natural fibers play a vital role in reducing the greenhouse gas emission caused due to the use of synthetic fibers for composite making. Many novel natural fibers with promising characteristics required for reinforcing polymer matrices remain unexplored. In the present study, an attempt has been made to bring out the potentials of novel cellulosic fiber obtained from the bark of Ficus retusa. Various tests such as chemical, X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, thermogravimetric, differential scanning calorimetry, tensile, energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy and field emission scanning electron microscopy were performed on FR fibers. Cellulose (55.19 wt. %), hemicellulose (20.65 wt.%), lignin (20.87 wt.%), pectin (6.44 wt.%) and wax (2.80 wt.%) of FRFs were identified though chemical tests. X-ray diffraction revealed the crystallinity index (37.25%) and crystallite size (2.29 nm) of FRFs. Thermogravimetric analysis showed the ability of FRF to withstand 335.87°C and was found to exhibit activation energy of 64.38 kJ/mol. The tensile strength and Young’s modulus of FRF was found to be 189.50–302.50 MPa and10.31–14.37 GPa. Energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy revealed the atomic and weight percentages of various elements present at the fiber surface. Morphology of FR fiber surface examined through FESEM confirmed the existence of rough surface with some serrations and with porous honey combed structure. Higher crystallinity index, superior mechanical properties and higher thermal stability of FRF makes them suitable for eco-friendly composite making.

Development of nano‐enhanced phase change materials using manganese dioxide nanoparticles obtained through green synthesis

AbstractThe current paper summarizes the development of nano‐enhanced phase change materials (NPCMs) using capric acid (CA) and manganese dioxide (α‐MnO2) nanoparticles. The nanoparticles were obtained by the green synthesis technique using the leaves of Ficus retusa plant. The obtained nanoparticles were used in 1%, 2%, and 3% weight fractions in the nano‐formulations. The field‐emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) was employed to confirm the morphological structure and energy‐dispersive X‐ray (EDX) spectroscopy was used for the elemental analysis of the synthesized nanoparticles. The crystallographic studies were done using X‐ray diffraction (XRD) spectroscopy. The Fourier‐transform infrared (FT‐IR) spectroscopy results showed that the insertion of nanoparticles did not disturb the chemical configuration of CA. The differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) analysis revealed that the developed nanocomposites had excellent thermal energy storage capability that lay within the range of 145–164 kJ/kg. Five hundred extended thermal cycles were carried out which showed that the developed PCM had excellent thermal reliability and can be useful for a year‐long application. The variations reported with 1% nano‐formulation was −1.43% to +0.53%, −0.03% to +1.52%, and −6.67% to 9.94% with respect to onset, peak melting temperature, and latent heat of fusion. The thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA) results showed that developed PCMs were stable within the working temperature range. The melting/solidification curve showed faster heat storage and release rates owing to the increased thermal conductivity. These developed PCMs are useful for photovoltaic/thermal and building applications.

ОЦЕНКА АДАПТИВНОСТИ К УСЛОВИЯМ EX SITU 25 ДРЕВЕСНЫХ СУБТРОПИЧЕСКИХ РАСТЕНИЙ

The article discusses morpho-functional features of 25 species of woody subtropical plants (Acca sellowiana (O.Berg) Burret, Myrtus communis L., Murraya paniculata (L.) Jack , Coussapoa microcarpa (Schott) Rizzini, Cascabela thevetia (L.) Lippold, Podocarpus macrophyllus (Thunb.) Sweet, Podocarpus salicifolius Klotzsch & H.Karst. ex Endl., Phyllanthus juglandifolius Willd., Nandina domestica Thunb., Asparagus falcatus L., Ficus pumila L., Ficus cyathistipula Warb., Ficus binnendijkii Miq., Ficus retusa L., Ficus sagittata Vahl, Cinnamomum camphora (L.) J.Presl, Laurus nobilis L., Olea europaea L., Ligustrum japonicum Thunb., Ceratonia siliqua L., Tamarindus indica L., Pittosporum tobira (Thunb.) W.T.Aiton, Camellia japonica L., Magnolia obovata Thunb., Hibiscus sinensis Mill.) growing in the greenhouse of the Botanical Garden of Samara University. To assess the adaptability of the species, the following parameters are used: the reflectivity of the leaves (upper and lower sides), the thickness of the leaf blade, the specific area of the leaves (SLA), the content of caratinoids and chlorophylls (a, b). The collection of leaf material was carried out during two growing seasons. The analysis of the parameters takes into account climatic factors, such as average monthly temperatures, air humidity, illumination. In the species studied by us, the values of the specific leaf area index range from 58 to 363 sq.cm / g, the thickness of the leaf blade from 100 to 305 microns. During the analysis, a correlation (average conjugacy) was established for the studied species the thickness of the leaf blade with the reflection of the leaf blade (R=0.65) and the content of photosynthetic pigments hl.a (R= -0.79) and carotenoids (R= -0.59), illumination (R=0.43).

Ficus retusa L. as possible indicator of air metallic pollution in urban environment

The aim of this study was to explore the accumulation potential of heavy metals (HMs) by Ficus retusa L. and its possible use for air pollution biomonitoring in urban areas. Plant material was sampled along the national roads in Constantine city (NE-Algeria), characterized by an intense traffic load. The concentrations of cadmium, copper, lead and zinc were determined in the washed and unwashed leaves. The mean concentrations of HMs decrease in the following order: Zn > Pb > Cu > Cd for both studied leaves, and were about 0.68 and 0.98 mg/kg d.m for Cd, 7.26 and 8.74 mg/kg d.m for Cu, 20.35 and 37.61 mg/kg d.m for Pb and 63.33 mg/kg d.m and 75.94 mg/kg d.m for Zn, for washed and unwashed leaves respectively. The studied metal contents were significantly higher than those cited in the literature; this indicates the traffic road impact on HMs emissions and uptake by plants. Higher values of metal accumulation index (MAI) indicate the effectiveness of the studied species for monitoring air metallic pollution in urban areas. Results of this study could be beneficial as preliminary reference values for HMs uptake by F. retusa in urban environments.

Allelopathic potential of Ficus retusa L. leaf litter on understory vegetation in urban gardens

Pruning Ficus trees in urban green spaces may lead to the accumulation and spread of their leaf litter on the understory vegetation. This study was conducted to evaluate the allelopathic effect of Ficus retusa L. leaf litter on the understory species in urban gardens. A field study showed that the plant cover and species richness of litter-affected plots were lower than those of litter-free areas. The litter-affected soils had substantially lower pH and higher electrical conductivity. In a greenhouse experiment, litter-affected soil significantly inhibited the emergence and growth of understory species selected for the purpose of this study: Melilotus indicus (L.) All., Trifolium resupinatum L. and Amaranthus viridis L. Osmotic potentials equivalent to those of the litter-affected soils did not affect emergence or growth of these species. A spectrophotometric analysis indicated that the litter-affected soils contained larger amounts of phenolics and flavonoids. An HPLC analysis revealed that the litter-affected soils contained higher concentrations of free phenolic and flavonoid allelochemicals. These results demonstrate that F. retusa leaf litter may reduce plant cover and species richness. The significant inhibition in both field and greenhouse experiments could be attributed to phenolic and flavonoid allelochemicals released from the tree litter, as the osmotic potential of the litter had no effect on the understory species. The allelopathic potential of F. retusa leaf litter plays at least a partial role in reducing urban vegetation.

Using Ficus retusa L. leaf residue for weed control in field grown green beans

ABSTRACT Given the need to minimise the environmental impact of synthetic agrochemicals in agroecosystems and to increase the sustainability of production systems, it is necessary to identify alternative methods for weed management and crop protection. Regular pruning of evergreen trees, including Ficus retusa L., can provide large quantities of leaf litter and this study aimed to evaluate the use of this leaf residue in a horticultural production system. The effects of using the residue as an organic soil amendment were assessed, including the potential of the residue to control weeds in green beans (Phaseolus vulgaris) crop. Three application rates of F. retusa leaf residue (250, 500 and 1000 g m−2) were applied to the soil at two locations. At both sites, the treatments significantly reduced the density and the biomass of several weed species in a dose- and weed species-dependent manner. The total weed density and weed biomass were also substantially reduced, but there were no effects on the growth or the yield of the P. vulgaris in the treated plots. The application of the leaf residue increased soil organic carbon and some macronutrients, including available nitrogen and potassium. High-performance liquid chromatographic (HPLC) analysis revealed the presence of phenolic and flavonoid compounds in the F. retusa leaves and the reduction of weeds may be attributed to the release of phytotoxins from the residue. Overall, the results suggested that F. retusa leaf residue can be used as part of the weed management strategy to control weeds in P. vulgaris crops.

Investigation of adsorption of organic dyes present in wastewater using chitosan beads immobilized with biofabricated CuO nanoparticles

A novel type of polymer beads (CS/CuO nanocomposite beads) were formulated by incorporating laboratory synthesized CuO nanoparticles into pure chitosan (CS) beads. The CuO nanoparticles (NPs) used for immobilization were synthesized through simple, environment friendly and cost effective green route using plant extract of Ficus retusa. These beads were used as an adsorbent for removal of organic dyes from their aqueous solutions. Two typical organic dyes, congo red (CR) and eriochrome black T (EBT) were used to gauge the adsorption performance of pure chitosan beads and CS/CuO nanocomposite beads. The combination of chitosan with CuO nanoparticles enhanced the efficiency of chitosan beads to remove these dyes from their aqueous solution. More than 97% of dyes were removed within a time span of 2 h. The maximum adsorption capacity of congo red and eriochrome black T dyes over polymer nanocomposite beads was found to be 119.70 and 235.70 mg g−1 respectively. The study of kinetics revealed that the adsorption process followed pseudo first order kinetics while the adsorption isotherm of the dyes demonstrated that the adsorption equilibrium can be related to Freundlich model. The recovery rate of nanocomposite beads was 100% after each cycle and these beads were reusable even up till 5 cycles.

Study of adsorption of anionic dyes over biofabricated crystalline α-MnO2 nanoparticles.

The leaf extract of Ficus retusa plant was used for fabrication of α-MnO2 nanoparticles (NPs). The extract was utilized as a reducing agent for green synthesis of nanomaterial. The synthesis of nanocrystals was confirmed using different analytical techniques such as field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX) spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD) spectroscopy and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The synthesis of NPs was studied over a wide range of temperatures from 80 to 800°C. It was found that perfectly crystalline α-MnO2 NPs were successfully synthesized at 800°C. The synthesized NPs were applied as an adsorbent for adsorption of azo dyes such as methyl red (MR) and methyl orange (MO) which are released as wastes from industries into water bodies and pollute the water. The removal efficiency was analysed and optimized depending on various parameters like pH, concentration of NPs, and contact time. The experimental data was explained by three isotherm models, viz. Langmuir, Freundlich and Temkin isotherms. Kinetic and thermodynamic studies of adsorption were also carried out, which depicted that the adsorption process of both dyes was exothermic in nature and followed pseudo-second-order kinetics. The results confirmed that NPs are easily fabricated through a green route and prove to be an excellent adsorbent for the removal of MO and MR dyes from their aqueous solutions. The maximum adsorption capacity of NPs synthesized was found to be 116.1mgg-1 and 74.02mgg-1 for MO and MR dyes, respectively. Graphical abstract.

The Effects of Different Technological Treatments on Ficus retusa Branchwood Particleboard: Physical Properties and Formaldehyde Emission Evaluations

The Effects of Different Technological Treatments on Ficus retusa Branchwood Particleboard: Physical Properties and Formaldehyde Emission Evaluations

Isolation and Identification of Plant Growth-Promoting Bacteria Highly Effective in Suppressing Root Rot in Fava Beans.

In this study, 18 plant growth-promoting bacterial (PGPB) strains were isolated from the rhizosphere of both Red silk-cotton tree (Bombax malabaricum) and Chinese banyan (Ficus retusa). Culture morphology was observed and genotypic characterization was accomplished by sequencing partial 16S rRNA gene. Plant growth promotion traits and antagonistic activities of the strains against phytopathogenic fungi were evaluated. Among all strains, Bacillus thuringiensis (MN419208) exert the highest indole acetic acid (38µg/ml), produced exopolysaccharides (587.2µg/ml), and fixed nitrogen which in turn increased both fresh and dry weights of bean plants by 41.5% and 18.8%, respectively. In another greenhouse experiment studying the antifungal activities of seven strains and their co-culture against Rhizoctonia solani (LN735538), B. sonorensis MN419205, B. wiedmannii MN419207, B. subtilis MN419218, and the mixture of (MN419207) and (MN419208) reduced total damping off from 81.7% in control to 30%, 35%, 35%, and 38.3%, respectively, and reduced disease severity index from 33.3% to 20.5%, 22.5%, 14.2%, and 19.3% as well. Our data indicate that these strains are effective in promoting plant growth and in inhibiting R. solani infection nonetheless field experiments are needed to examine their effectiveness as a viable alternative to chemical fertilizers and conventional pesticides.

ORNAMENTAL PLANTS AND CLIMATE CHANGE: CARBON DIOXIDE AND ATMOSPHERIC TEMPERATURE

Virtually, one usually experiences a significant coolness around and under trees in comparison to open sunshine, with qualitative variations. This study was conducted to investigate the effect of irrigation with saline water (8000 and 16000 ppm) on some trees and their effect on transpiration rates, and the impact of these trees on reducing the atmospheric temperature and therefore their impact on climate change. The trees under study were used in the study: Bauhinia variegata, Cassia fistula, Cassia nodosa, Eucalyptus camaldulensis, Ficus retusa and Khaya senegalensis. In general, results indicated that, the atmosphere was cooler around Cassia fistula by reduction of atmospheric temperature by 6.5 °C (also, it produces odorous flowers) followed by Eucalyptus camaldulensis (5.3 °C). Reduction of temperature was correlated with high transpiration rate after irrigation with saline water after 2, 4 and 8 days of irrigation. It can be concluded that, using of saline water in irrigation of ornamental trees is efficient to induce the cooling effect in our gardens. Also, results showed the superiority of some trees in their efficiency in absorbing CO2 and were in the following order: Ficus religiosa (87.65); Bauhinia variegata (83.76); Cassia nodosa (81.53); Eucalyptus camaldulensis (80.15); Khaya senegalensis (79.04); Chorisia speciosa (73.29); Cassia fistula (72.54); Bombax malabaricum (72.34); Erythrina variegata (71.82); Ficus retusa (71.33); Ficus benghalensis (67.20) and Tipuana speciosa (65.99).

Evaluation of Ficus retusa L. Leaves with Special Reference to Antidiarrheal and Anti-spasmodic Activity.

The aim of present investigation was to evaluate the traditional claim of Ficus retusa as an anti-diarrheal and anti-spasmodic agent using different pharmacological models. Diarrhea is considered as major cause of mortality, especially in children and aged persons. Because of diarrhoea, 17% of admitted children get die. In order to treat the diarrhea, natural drugs may be useful. In order to prove the traditional claim of Ficus retusa, present work was undertaken with objective to prove antidiarrheal and antispasmodic activity. The anti-diarrhoeal activity was evaluated by magnesium sulphate induced diarrhea and 5-hydroxy tryptamine(5HT) induced diarrhea. Further, the exact were subjected to gastrointestinal motility test using standard procedure. Finding of the present study suggested that significant response was exhibited by ethanolic extract (400mg/kg bw.) of Ficus retusa. The response towards bioactivity was dose dependent. It was concluded that 400mg/kg bw of ethanolic extract is most potent in antidiarrhoeal and antispasmodic activity.

Propagation and seedling growth of some species used as ornamental hedges in landscape design

Propagation and seedling growth characteristics of five plant species: Duranta repens (Yellow bush), Hamelia patens (Fire bush), Ficus retusa (Yellow ficus), Buxus sempervirens (Boxwood / West indies) and Acalypha wilkesiana (Copper leaf), were examined in the nursery as indices of suitability for use as hedge plants in the landscape. The experiment was laid out in a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with four replicates where the treatments were the plant species. Cuttings were cultivated in polyethylene pots filled with top soil medium. Data collected included: time to rooting, rooting percentage, number of leaves/plant, seedling height and stem girth. They were subjected to analysis of variance and means separated using Least Significant Difference (LSD) at 5% probability level. It took Acalypha wilkesiana , Duranta repens and Hamelia patens species shortest time (21 days) to root while Buxus sempervirens and Ficus retusa took the longest time (28 days) for rooting. Duranta repens species produced the highest rooting percentage (80.5%) at 28 days after planting and the highest number of leaves/plant (15leaves). This study revealed Duranta repens as the easiest to propagate among these species. All plant species evaluated except Ficus retusa are easily propagated in the nursery thus indicating their potential suitability for commercial production in the nursery and use as hedge plants. Duranta repens and Buxus sempervirens are recommended as hedge plant choices based on their ease of propagation and early establishment.