We have recently completed a fencing programme to secure an acre of degraded rainforest lands in Hiniduma in preparation for a restoration planting programme. The land has a public footbath running through it and has been used by local residents to graze cattle. By securing the land with a fence of small trees reinforced by wire, we can protect newly planted trees on the centre of land from being disturbed by people or eaten by animals.
Nearly 600 native trees were planted on the edges of the land to define the boundaries. Species include:Ceiba pentandra produces a type of cotton that can be used for filling in mattresses, pillows, upholstery and stuffed toys. The seeds produce oil used locally in soap and that can be used as fertilizer.
Alstonia scholaris, whose bark contains the alkaloids ditamine, echitenine and echitamine and can be used as an alternative to quinine. Its bark can be used to treat diarrhoea and malaria, as a tonic.
Gliricidia sepium is commonly used for live fencing, makes great fodder and green manure and can be used for rat poison. It is easily propagated and grows quickly, reducing topsoil erosion in the initial stages.
Lannea coromandelica is a gum yielding plant. Young leaves and twigs are medicinal and edible. The gum can be used for paint/lacquer.
Cerbera odollam is used for live fencing, paddy field dividers and green manure. The seeds have the potential to be converted into biodiesel.Ficus hispida is a medicinal plant used in traditional medicine.
Litsea glutinosa is a medicinal plant which is insect resistant.
Pericopsis mooniana produces a hard wood.
Hibiscus rosa-sinensis is an ornamental plant with a large flower and the leaves, roots and flowers have medicinal properties.
The next work we are going to complete is a planting design for the centre of the land to restore the area to rainforest. The planting design will be based on Analog Forestry principles, to help accelerate the regeneration of the land.
No comments:
Post a Comment