Variations in Cupressus Lusitanica Mill Seed Yield and Quality under Different Extraction Conditions in Kenya

Abstract

Globally, Cupressus lusitanica is one of the important fast-growing plantation species, highly preferred for biomass, fuelwood, timber, and medicinal uses (1–5). In the tropics and subtropics, this species has been identified and prioritized for planting to support commercial forestry, afforestation, and conservation (6–10). In Kenya this is an exotic species planted commercially for the production of saw timber, plywood, and poles for building and construction; and for services such as live fence, shade, and ornamental (11–14). These uses have led to increasing demand for C. lusitanica seed for ease of propagation (15,16). Seeds have been the traditional and primary source of C. lusitanica propagules (17–20).