Evaluation of Trees Indigenous to the Montane Forest of the Blue Mountains, Jamaica for Reforestation and Agroforestry

background

This study investigates local knowledge of native species and their uses in agroforestry systems, as well as the establishment of native species in the Blue Mountains of Jamaica.

Research Goals & Methods

Interviews were conducted with 27 local participants to determine the use of 80 taxa of trees and shrubs, 43 of them native taxa; the value of each species was calculated for 10 uses.

Conclusions & Takeaways

Local respondents valued timber and fruit as the preferred uses; however, for planting, multi-purpose trees were the most highly valued. The establishment and growth of 58 species on drought- and fire-prone farmland was also evaluated over a period of 3.5 years. J. lucayana, C. occidentalis, C. odorata, T. occidentalis, C. montanum, V. alpinum, D. arboreus, P. urbanii and P. occidentalis were identified as recommended species for planting due to their successful establishment rates and utility. The authors promote the potential of native tree species in the restoration of degraded lands, emphasizing the importance of considering local preferences, utility, and ecological success.