Propagation of leather leaf Chamaedaphne calyculata (L.) Moench from seeds and shoot cuttings

Flowering and fruit setting was analyzed in specimens of Chamedaphne calyculata (L.) Moench growing in a natural stand in the “Sicienko” reserve in the Drawa National Park. Seed production, seed viability and shoot rooting was investigated. It was shown that Chamaedaphne calyculata has abundant flowers but sets few fruits. Numerous seeds (even up to 87) were found in fruits; however, the percentage of developed seeds was low and ranged from 17% to 45%. The viability of developed seeds was similarly low (maximum 29%). The performed germination test showed a positive effect of stratification on the breaking of seed dormancy. Obtaining seedlings from seeds sown in vitro on agar medium was a considerable success. Shoots cut perpendicularly to the shoot axis, with a 1-cm incision on the side and treated with a rooting agent, rooted 100%. Shoots which were not treated with a rooting agent, irrespective of their having been incised or not, rooted 78%.