Propagation protocols determined for two Nyssa species
Monday, August 29, 2016 - 15:01
in Biology & Nature
The genus Nyssa L. includes several woody species with traits valued by horticulturists, but only black gum (Nyssa sylvatica Marsh.) is prevalent in the nursery trade. Considered among the most beautiful trees native to North America, cultivars of black gum provide outstanding foliage color in autumn. The authors of a new study (HortScience, June 2016) say that another Nyssa species, swamp tupelo (Nyssa biflora Walt.), which is indigenous to swamps and bottomlands of the southeastern United States, might also be a marketable shade tree. "Its beauty and potential resistance to extremes in soil moisture justify exploring the potential for using swamp tupelo in horticulture," they explained.