Journal of Medicinal Plants Research Vol. 5(30), pp. 6615-6621, 16 December, 2011 Available online at http://www.academicjournals.org/JMPR ISSN 1996-0875 ©2011 Academic Journals DOI: 10.5897/JMPR11.160 Full Length Research Paper Vegetative propagation of Warburgia ugandensis Sprague: An important medicinal tree species in eastern Africa F. Akwatulira 1 , S. Gwali 2 *, P. Ssegawa 3 , J. B. L. Okullo 1 , S. B. Tumwebaze 1 , J. R. Mbwambo 4 and A. Muchugi 5 1 School of Forestry, Environment and Geographical Sciences, Makerere University, P. O. Box 7062, Kampala, Uganda. 2 National Forestry Resources Research Institute (NaFORRI), P. O. Box 1752, Kampala, Uganda. 3 School of Biological Sciences, Makerere University, P. O. Box 7062, Kampala, Uganda. 4 Lushoto Forestry Research Station, Tanzania Forestry Research Institute (TAFORI), P. O. Box 95, Lushoto, Tanzania. 5 Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Faculty of Science, Kenyatta University, P. O. Box 43844-00100, Nairobi, Kenya. Accepted 18 October, 2011 Warburgia ugandensis is an important medicinal tree species whose bark is widely harvested for its valuable anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties. Consequently, this tree species is considered threatened. Therefore, this species is ranked as one of the priority species for management and conservation. This study investigated an appropriate technique for propagation of W. ugandensis using stem cuttings. Three types of stem cutting (hardwood, semi-hardwood and softwood) were obtained from Mabira Forest Reserve, Uganda and propagated in a factorial experiment using non-misting tunnels. Data on callusing root and shoot formation, number and length of roots and shoots were collected over a period of 93 days. Data manipulation was done by employing general linear model analysis of variance and Chi - square tests. There was significant variation (p < 0.05) in callus formation, root and shoot development, number and length of roots and shoots for different stem cutting types. The highest percentage of callusing, rooting and shoot regeneration (46, 49 and 57%) was recorded in softwood cuttings which also produced the highest number and longest roots and shoots. Successful propagation of W. ugandensis can therefore be appropriately achieved through softwood stem cuttings rather than either hardwood or semi-hardwood cuttings. Key words: Warburgia ugandensis, vegetative propagation, Mabira forest reserve, Canellaceae. INTRODUCTION Warburgia ugandensis Sprague (Canellaceae) is a luxurious canopy level tree species of east Africa’s semi - deciduous and moist natural forests. The tree is useful for timber for building and furniture, anti-fungal and anti- bacterial medicine (bark, roots, young twigs), mulch, green manure, shade, ornamental, resin and food *Corresponding author. E-mail: gwalis@yahoo.co.uk. seasoning (Mbuya et al., 1994; Katende et al., 1995). The leaves and seeds are used to add flavor to curries and for livestock fodder while the fruits are edible with a hot peppery taste (ICRAF, 2009). Other products from this tree include soap, toothbrushes, veterinary medicine, insecticide, firewood and charcoal (Maundu and Tengnas, 2005). The wood has high oil content and burns well with an incense-like smell while the gum/resin is used locally as glue to fix tool handles (Katende et al., 1995).