THINNING AND SPACING GUIDELINES FOR BLUE MAHOE (HIBISCUS ELATUS SW.)

Abstract

Preliminary thinning and spacing guidelines using blue mahoe (Hibiscus elatus Sw.) from the moist limestone region of Puerto Rico are demonstrated. These guidelines are shown to be appropriate for recently introduced plantation species that have not passed through successive rotations under intensive management. Our results show that blue mahoe uses growing space more efficiently as the plantation gets older. This means that trees can be planted at a narrower spacing and that thinning should be lighter in older plantations than what is currently being practiced.