Vegetative propagation by stem cuttings of the vulnerable Ethiopian endemic shrub Chrysojasminum stans (Pax) Banfi.

Chrysojasminum stans (Pax) Banf (C. stans) (formerly Jasminum stans Pax; Oleaceae), a vulnerable endemic shrub of the forests and evergreen bushlands of the central Ethiopian highlands, is not feasible for seed mass propagation and ex situ conservation. The present study was conducted to establish the suitability of stem cuttings as a vegetative propagation technique, focusing on the effect of stem cutting age softwood cutting, semi-hardwood cutting and hardwood cutting planting media, and the application of rooting hormone Indole Butyric acid on sprouting and rooting efficiency. Data on the number of newly sprouted shoots, leaves, roots, root length, and shoot height were collected. Statistically significant differences were observed in the number of roots and shoot length among the treatments applied, while there were no statistically significant differences among the treatments applied in newly emerged shoots, leaves, and root length. The results also revealed significant differences (p < 0.05) in other parameters. The findings suggest that stem cutting propagation is an appropriate vegetative propagation technique for C. stans, particularly for softwood cutting planted in 1:1:1 soil, compost and sand respectively media. This is the first report of vegetative propagation of C. stans through stem cuttings, which can be used for conservation and sustainable utilization of this Ethiopian highland endemic plant species.