PROPAGATION FROM CUTTINGS OF 2 WOODY ORNAMENTAL AUSTRALIAN SHRUBS, BORONIA-MEGASTIGMA NEES (BROWN BORONIA) AND HYPOCALYMMA-ANGUSTIFOLIUM ENDL (WHITE MYRTLE)

While many woody plant cuttings respond to propagation conditions in s imilar ways, results presented here indicate that some responses are s pecies specific. Propagation of Boronia megastigma and Hypocalymma ang ustifolium cuttings was successful except when cuttings were struck wi thout auxin treatment in a pinebark-based propagation medium. More ste m H. angustifolium cuttings (100%) produced roots than terminal (shoot tip) cuttings (45.2%). Benzyladenine and gibberellic acid treatment o f stock plants decreased endogenous starch concentration and propagati on success of both species. Boronia megastigma cuttings propagated poo rly when taken in winter when flowers were developing on stock plants. Conversely, adventitious rooting of H. angustifolium had greatest suc cess when cuttings were taken in winter during flower development. Sea sonal variation in propagation success may be mediated through changes in the endogenous plant growth regulator or carbohydrate concentratio ns.