In vitro culture of two threatened South African medicinal trees - Ocotea bullata and Warburgia salutaris

The aim of the project was to develop micropropagation procedures for the h eavily exploited and endangered South African trees black stinkwood (Ocotea bullata) and pepperbark (Warburgia salutaris) to facilitate conservation a nd reforestation. Both species are difficult to establish and grow in tissu e culture because of their high phenolic content. A protocol for the establ ishment of explants in vitro was developed comprising decontamination, the application of antioxidants and cold treatment.