DROUGHT TOLERANT AND NATIVE ORNAMENTAL PLANTS

February 2005

This publication was produced for review by the United States Agency for International Development. It was prepared by the Academy for Educational Development.

DISCLAIMER

The author's views expressed in this publication do not necessarily reflect the views of the United States Agency for International Development or the United States Government.

DROUGHT TOLERANT AND NATIVE ORNAMENTAL PLANTS IN JORDAN

F AGRICULTURAL EXTENSION SERVICES A A desk research report by: Experts for Landscaping and Agriculture Consultants “Ur Gardens”

AMMAN-ZARQA BASIN HIGHLANDS IN JORDAN

Table of Contents

Introduction..................................................................................................................2

Common Elements Necessary for a Drought Tolerant Ornamental and Native Plants Production Unit ................................................................................................3

Water Supply...........................................................................................................3 Mother plants stock .................................................................................................3 Shade house.............................................................................................................4 Storage facilities ......................................................................................................4 Open field................................................................................................................4 Propagation house ...................................................................................................4 Working area ...........................................................................................................4 Plant selection .........................................................................................................5

Locations studied and recommended plant species ..................................................6 The Jordan Valley Karama area.............................................................................6

Agapanthus africanus/orientalis ..............................................................................6 Erythrina sp. ............................................................................................................7 Hibiscus syriacus.....................................................................................................7 Lantana montevidensis............................................................................................8 Strelitzia reginea......................................................................................................9 Verbena peruviana...................................................................................................9

Amman Zarqa Basin Kherbit Al-Samra ..............................................................12 Iris Nigricans (Black Iris)......................................................................................12 Buddleia davidii ....................................................................................................12 Cistuss sp...............................................................................................................13 Hemerocalis sp. .....................................................................................................13 Vitex ungus castus.................................................................................................14 Phlomis fruiticosa..................................................................................................14

Ghor Al Safi ............................................................................................................16 Agave sp................................................................................................................16 Aloe sp...................................................................................................................17 Echeveria sp ..........................................................................................................17 Crassula sp.............................................................................................................17 Sedum spectabillis.................................................................................................18

Appendix 1: Detailed Financial Analysis for Karama................................................22

Appendix 2: Detailed Financial Analysis for Kherbit Al-Samra................................23

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Introduction

The purpose of this study is to show the potential of producing high value, drought tolerant ornamental and native plants in Jordan to improve the resource utilization efficiency of current cropping patterns. Farmers in Jordan are finding it increasingly difficult and less feasible to grow traditional cash crops, such as tomatoes, cucumbers and eggplants, because irrigation water is becoming scarce and the quality of available irrigation water is deteriorating. The total water requirement of many ornamental and native plants is lower than that for existing fruit and vegetable crop alternatives. In addition, most ornamental plants are propagated by vegetative cuttings, so the larger the plants become over time, the more cuttings become available. This is contrary to vegetables and fruit trees, whose productivity declines over time. Most ornamental and native plants are also less susceptible to the common foliar diseases present in Jordan, which means lower investments on pesticides and safer environmental practices. However, the most appealing factor for introducing drought tolerant native and ornamental plants into local cropping patterns is the export potential. Since ornamental and native plants are not consumable goods, most countries have less rules and regulations on importing these items. Nonetheless, wholesale markets and supermarket chains do require compliance with sanitary regulations and standards. Exporting ornamental plants has the potential to become one of Jordan’s primary income-generating activities. This study covers three geographic and climatic zones within Jordan, which are all contained within the Knowledge and Action for Fostering Advances in Agriculture (KAFA’A)1 project area. Plants adaptable to each zone or region were selected according to the specific production characteristics of each zone. Whenever possible, data was collected and economical analyses were carried out. The study also identifies the main obstacles to the production of ornamental plants in each zone and recommends feasible solutions. However, the main focus of the study is on the technical and practical aspects of establishing an ornamental plant production unit and the necessary means for making it successful. The study has been divided into sections, which are easy to understand and practical to apply, starting with an explanation of the common elements needed for any ornamental plant production unit (nursery), regardless of the location. However, the size of each unit will vary according to the species grown. Species recommendations and economic information for each of the three locations in the program area are presented. These locations include: Karama in the Middle Jordan Valley, Al-Safi in the Southern Ghors, and Kherbit Al-Samra in the Amman Zarqa Basin.

)00022-03-00-C-273Project #(” Education and Information Program to Improve Irrigation Water Use Efficiency“: Official name 1

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Common Elements Necessary for a Drought Tolerant Ornamental and Native Plants Production Unit

Among the most important factors to be considered for the establishment of a production unit of the nature of the plants in the study are: water supply, mother plants stock, storage facilities, open field area for final stages of growth in preparation for the sale, and working facilities for labor to perform productions practices.

• Water supply and the means of delivering to plants, this could be gravity fed (if enough head is available), or pressurized systems (electrical or diesel driven motor pumps).

• The parental material has to be ensured, a reliable mother plants stock must be

found, including an area designated for growing them over a long period of time.

• Structure to house the unit, a metal or other strong material structure that can support some sort of shading net called “shade house”.

• Storage facilities or areas where supplies, tools and other materials can be stored

for cultural practices.

• An open field area where half-finished plants can be placed to grow and become ready for the market.

• As part of the facility there should be a propagation area fitted with the proper

tools, instruments and equipment; this is the area where the major production operations take place.

• A working area where labor and other employees can operate in for less refined

tasks than the propagation techniques. Water Supply Even the most drought tolerant plant needs to be provided with water during the establishment stage. Without the basic minimum quantity of water, plants may be able to survive but will not be capable of providing the farmer with the necessary growth to produce the economic number of cuttings. In addition, un-rooted cuttings, rooted cuttings, young plants and even the finished product cannot be treated as if they are drought tolerant plants, until they are planted in the field or garden. Nevertheless, most plants in 16 cm. or 18 cm. diameter pots can do well with as little as 0.4 liters of water per day. Mother plants stock The mother plants stock will be the major investment for farmers interested to venture in such project. Quality, type and size of plant will determine the success or failure of the production unit. The right choice of plant in terms of adaptability, and the right size or quality will either speed up the operation or slow it down. The farmers must have technical assistance and information as to what plants can survive and adapt in their region or climatic zone. The selection has to be performed by an expert who will judge the quality and size of plant to be used as a mother plant. Teaching farmers how to identify and differentiate between varieties

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and species of the same genus is extremely important if the international market is their major target. Shade house The shade house is a transition facility; a structure is needed where the farmer will modify the environment for the plants. This change in environment is necessary for speeding up the operation by minimizing the negative effects of both the chilling effects (slow growth/ dormancy) of winter and stress of hot summer days (high solar radiation and temperature). A green house structure, with shading net to replace plastic sheets, is the most efficient structure that can be used for this purpose. All rooted cuttings and young plants are placed in this shade house for different periods of time, until they are acclimatized to go into the open field. Some plants may even have to stay there during the entire period of growth. The size of the shade house depends to a large extent on the type of plants in production and the zone where the operation is taking place. Storage facilities One or several storage units are necessary to keep materials and equipment; these facilities could be a single storage unit such as a small warehouse with well defined and separate compartments for storage of different materials and equipment. Plant production requires materials and equipment like peat moss, Perlite, fertilizers and chemicals, plastic containers, and propagation utensils. Whether one or more facilities are needed will depend of the size of the operation and more important on the requirements of the importing markets (in the case that exports are part of business plan). Open field The open field is a roofless area where plants in containers 16cm.. or larger, are transferred to from the shade house. These plants will grow there into maturity and final size before leaving the nursery as finished products. The total size of this area is also dependent on the type of plants, size of the operation and the zone where the operation is taking place. Propagation house The propagation house is the most important structure needed for the project in order to be able to produce ornamental and native plants on a commercial level. The success of the operation is directly dependent on the exit of managing the propagation house. According to the zone, the type of plants produced, and the size of the operation, a propagation house can be as simple as a small shade house or as complex as a large green house fitted with sophisticated climate control systems and the most advanced propagation instruments and tools. However, most such projects can start with the basic minimum propagation house, and grow along with the project to expand it into a highly advanced propagation unit which can meet the needs of their own projects and other projects in the same region. Working area The working area is the location where labor performs most cultural practices. Planting and transplanting young plants and cuttings, soil mixing, preparing the cuttings and so forth. The working area can be as small as 30 square meters with concrete flooring and a

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shading structure for convenience or it can be a small to medium warehouse (50-100 square meters). The size of this working area depends greatly on the size of the operation. These are the common elements needed for the success of any ornamental plant production unit. However, one can be creative and introduce other elements to improve and increase the success rate and or the marketing potential, such as office area, a show room, a packing unit for export, delivery truck, etc. Plant selection To ensure a good start and a successful operation, the proper selection of the mother plants stock is critical. Most plants can survive for a few months at almost any location. This can give a false indication to the farmer that the right selection may have been made. However, it’s what will become of these plants in the long run that will be the true test. Needless to say, a plant that grows in the mountainous region cannot survive in a desert area for more than a few weeks or months at the most. The zone where the project will be established should be studied carefully, before actually purchasing the mother plants. For farmers who are not experienced in this field, consultation by an expert or experts is a must, especially since climate is only one of the many factors that need to be considered. This study provides the interested farmers or nursery business with as much information as possible to help guide them in the three different zones selected to establish their units. Guidelines to type of plants, size, sources (imported or local) and the approximate price are shown in tables. The output by each plant species, the time needed to reach final stage of sellable plant and the expected selling price (at the current market price of Jordan) are also included.

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Locations studied and recommended plant species There are three locations selected for the study, which have been chosen based on the climate characteristics and each assigned group of plants’ requirements of soil and water. The three locations are: Jordan Valley Karama, Amman Zarqa Basin Kherbit Al-Samra, and Ghor El- Safi. The Jordan Valley Karama area The Jordan valley -Karama area is considered to be a subtropical zone and is characterized by hot dry climate throughout the long summer months (average temperature is 36°C to 38°C with a maximum of 43°C), with very short spring and fall seasons. Winter is also considered to be relatively short and dry (average rainfall of 200-400 ml per year). Relative humidity is between 20% and 40% throughout the year, with the exception of few weeks in winter. No frost is to be expected during the winter season. Therefore, this climate pattern limits the choice of plants that can be selected for the project. A list of plants that can survive and perform well in this zone is provided. A detailed discussion on the feasible quantity needed for each type of plant, the expected output of cuttings, and the final product follows.

Agapanthus africanus/orientalis The Agapanthus africanus/orientalis is an evergreen plant that forms fountain like clumps which give rise to several spikes of cluster-like blue flowers. It is also a drought tolerant plant, which flowers from June to August when fully mature and does well in the cold and hot climates of Jordan, the recommended spacing is 50 x 50 cm.

Mature mother plants can provide an average of three offsets a year. Harvesting is performed only once during the year. The current cost of each mother plant in a 20cm. diameter container in the local market is 5.00 JD (US$ 7.00)2. Each mother plant produces three offsets after three to six months. These new plants are then transplanted along with the original mother plants to form the final mother stock block. Six to nine months later each plant will give rise to an average of three offsets, which are transplanted in 9 cm. diameter containers. Three months later, each plant can be sold for 1.50 JD (US$ 2.12). The return on the initial investment is 3,600.00 JD (US$ 5,084.74) after a period of 15 to 18 months, if an initial mother plant stock of 200 is used, see basis for the calculations in Table 1. The recommended initial investment of 1,000.00 (US$ 1,412.42), for the mother plants stock (200) is considered high; however, in addition to the local demand, the return due to high export potential will easily cover for this cost. Furthermore, low propagation cost as compared to other plants also makes this choice a very good candidate for the sustainability of the business.

2 Exchange rate used 1 US Dollar = 0.708 Jordanian Dinar

http://plantfacts.osu.edu/plantlist/A/Agapanthus71.html. Ohio State University

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Erythrina sp The Erythrina is a semi deciduous small tree/large shrub, which is well known in the Americas as the "coral tree". The Erythrina has a magnificent flower shape, color and flowering periods (from mid summer to late autumn), as well as its wide range of tolerance for different climates are good characteristics for choosing it as a mother plant for this area, a 100 x 100 cm. spacing should be used. Within six to nine months after planting, each mother plant can give up to 25 cuttings. At a success rate of 50%, the farmer will have plants in 16 cm. pots ready for sale in four to six months. Each plant can be sold for 2.00 JD (US$ 2.82). The initial cost is 6.00 JD (US$ 8.47)/mother plant, see Table 1. Hibiscus syriacus The Hibiscus syriacus is an evergreen flowering shrub or small tree in Aqaba and the Jordan valley. Even though these plants are of tropical origin, they have been successfully introduced in Amman and the colder areas of Jordan. A close relative to H. syriacus is H. rosa-sinensis, which also grows well in both climates of Jordan (mountainous and subtropical areas). The following characteristics and propagation factors are for both types of plants, with a recommended spacing of 100 x 100 cm. One mother plant can provide 25 cuttings twice a year, starting only three months after planting the mother stock. With a rooting success of 70%, and three months of growth time in 16 cm. pots, each new plant could be sold for 0.40 JD (US$ 0.57). Hibiscus syriacus

H. rosa-sinensis

South African National Biodiversity Institute, South Africa. Website: http://www.plantzafrica.com/plantefg/erythrinahumeana.htm Copyright 2004, Iziko Museums of Cape Town

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Table 1. Estimated investment returns from plants in the Karama location.

Lantana montevidensis The Lantana montevidensis is a hardy semi deciduous shrub, can reach up to 40 cm. high and wide in hot areas of Jordan; a drought tolerant ground cover that comes in lilac, yellow or white color flowers. The flowering period is from May to September in the cooler areas of Jordan (Amman and other similar locations); performs extremely well in the Jordan Valley and Aqaba climate zones, the recommended spacing is 50 x 50 cm. A fully-grown mature mother plant can provide a minimum of 20 un-rooted cuttings each time, with harvesting potential of three times a year. The success rate for the rooting process is about 80% over the period of one year, which is translated into 48 plants as the final output of each mother plant per year. The cost of each mature mother plant is approximately 2.50 JD (US$ 3.53); the selling price of the finished product, in 16 cm. size pots, is a minimum of 0.50 JD (US$ 0.71). Assuming a start with a 100 plants for the mother stock at a cost of 250.00 JD (US$ 353.11), the return on this initial investment should be 2,400.00 JD (US$ 3,389.83) after a period of 12 to 15 months, Table 1. Pennisetum setaceum ‘rubrum' The Pennisetum setaceum ‘rubrum' grows as fountain like mounds (fountain grass), it is a purple colored grass that grows up to 1 meter high in less than six months. It develops as an annual in colder areas of Jordan, and an evergreen shrub in the Jordan Valley. This fact makes it an attractive plant to produce since new plants sold to gardens in Amman will need to be replanted every year; the recommended spacing is 75 x 75 cm.

Plant name Initial

qty Unit Cost

Initial Expense

Offsets per year

Expected Success

rate

Actual Offsets output

Total Offsets output

Exp. Selling price

Total gross

revenueAgapanthus africanus/orientalis 200 5 1,000 3 100% 3 600 1.50 900 Erythrina humeana 100 6 600 25 50% 12.5 1,250 2.00 2,500 Hibiscus syriacus 100 1 100 50 70% 35 3,500 0.40 1,400 Lantana montivedensis 150 2.5 375 60 80% 48 7,200 0.50 3,600 Pennisetum setaceum ‘rubrum’ 200 4 800 6 90% 5.4 1,080 1.50 1,620 Sterlitzia reginea 200 3 600 5 100% 5 1,000 1.00 1,000 Verbena peruviana 200 0.35 70 100 90% 90 18,000 0.15 2,700

3,545 32,630 13,720 Return 10,175

Ohio State University. http://plantfacts.osu.edu/Plant/Action.Lasso

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The initial cost per plant is 4.00 JD (US$ 5.65); the output is an average of 6 to 8 offsets per year and a success rate of 90%. The offsets will grow to a sellable plant in 18-cm. containers, within 4 to 6 months. The final product can be sold for 1.50 JD (US$ 2.12), Table 1. Strelitzia reginea The Strelitzia reginea is an evergreen shrub with very exotic looking flowers, which justifies the name Bird of Paradise. It is drought tolerant and easy to propagate, with a good resale value and adaptability to grow well in mountainous areas as well as subtropical regions, the spacing is 75 x 75 cm. Each plant can provide a minimum of two young offsets starting only two months after planting. The second harvesting time can be as early as six months later with a minimum of three offsets per mother plant; therefore a total of five plants can be expected for each mother stock. The offsets will be ready only three months after harvesting, plants in 16 cm. pots can be sold for 1.00 JD (US$ 1.41), Table 1.

Verbena peruviana The Verbena peruviana is a perennial evergreen ground cover that bears clusters of pink flowers almost all year round, especially if hot weather prevails (Aqaba and the Dead Sea area). Fast growing into 50 x 50 cm. in less than one year, and easily propagated during almost any time of the year; these characteristics make it an attractive plant to produce even though the selling price is not relatively low (50 x 50 cm. spacing). Each mother plant can give up to 25 cuttings after less than six months of planting with harvesting done twice a year. In other words the output is 50 cuttings each year. Less than three months after harvesting finished plants are ready to be sold for a price of at least 0.15 JD per plant. The initial cost is 0.35 JD while the success rate is 90% (see Table 1). Table 2, shows the comparison in investment in the mother stocks between year one and year two. The farmers will not have to re-invest in the same mother plants to continue the operation. Therefore the margin of profit in year two will be significantly higher. The same applies to all three locations. Economic feasibility and sensibility analyzes are shown in a separate section in this report.

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Table 2. Estimated costs and return (Jordanian Dinars) with zero investment in mother plants for the second year, Karama location.

Structural costs – shade house

The most practical and cost effective shade house structure that can be used is the metal frame of the classical single tunnel greenhouses available every where in Jordan. Farmers can even use one or more of their own greenhouses and replace the plastic sheets with shading net that can be bought in the local market. However, the cost for a good second hand greenhouse frame is an average of 750.00 JD (US$ 1,059.32). The required shading area is approximately 700 square meters, the cost for the net is about 595.00 JD (US$ 840.40). The surface in this shade house area should be covered with gravel for practicality of operations and sanitary and weed control purposes. Young plants and rooted cuttings are placed under the shade structure for a period ranging from one to three months at the most (some exceptions do apply). Then plants are either sold or moved to the open field for the final stage of growth. A shade house with an area of 500 square meters can take 11,250 9-cm. pots and 8,000 16-cm. pots. Depending on the time of use and the type of plant, one can accordingly manipulate these numbers to fit the particular needs.

Mother plants stock The number of the mother plants used for each production unit will determine the production capacity. Guidelines for the spacing of the initial plants are presented in Table 3. However, adjustments could be made once the operation is running and the farmers have acquired experience.

Plant name Initial

qty Unit Cost

Initial Expense

Offsets per year

Expected Success

rate

Actual Offsets output

Total Offsets output

Exp. Selling price

Total gross

revenue Agapanthus africanus/orientalis 200 0 0 3 100% 3 600 1.50 900.00 Erythrina sp. 100 0 0 25 50% 12.5 1,250 2.00 2,500.00 Hibiscus syriacus 100 0 0 50 70% 35 3,500 0.40 1,400.00 Lantana montivedensis 150 0 0 60 80% 48 7,200 0.50 3,600.00 Pennisetum setaceum ‘rubrum’ 200 0 0 6 90% 5.4 1,080 1.50 1,620.00 Sterlitzia reginea 200 0 0 5 100% 5 1,000 1.00 1,000.00 Verbena peruviana 200 0 0 100 90% 90 18,000 0.15 2,700.00

0 32,630 13,720.00 Return 13,720.00

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Table 3. Recommended initial mother plants stock quantities and spacing, Karama.

Water requirements

Table 4 gives guidelines for watering plants for the Karama site. This regime has been established according to literature research and the consultant’s experience with some of the plants.

Table 4. Watering regime recommendations, 1st and subsequent years, Karama.

Plant name Watering

frequency 1st year Quantity, liters

/ application Winters if no

rain

Years after Agapanthus africanus/orientalis Every third day 20 Once weekly

Once a week

Erythrina sp. Every other day 20 Skip once Once a week Hibiscus syriacus Every other day 20 Skip once Twice a month Lantana montevidensis Every other day 10 Skip once Twice a month Pennisetum setaceum ‘rubrum’ Every other day 10 Skip once

Twice a month

Strelitzia reginea Every other day 20 Skip once Once a week Verbena peruviana Every other day 10 Skip once Once a week

Financial Analysis of the Karama site Table 5 results show that the project is highly feasible, since the IRR of the basic scenario is about 216.4%, while this rate dropped to 46% in the case of an increase in costs of about 30% which is still high; details are shown in Appendix 1. Table 5. Results of the Analysis in Karama

Basic Scenario Discount Rate (12%) Coefficient NPV 15,875 B/C Ratio 1.47 IRR 216.4% Sensitivity Analysis IRR Increasing costs by10% 123.1% Increase Costs by 20%: 76% Increase Costs by 30%: 46.0% Decrease in Total Returns by10% 116.4% Decrease in Total Returns 20% 59.5%

Plant name Initial qty Spacing (cm.) Area needed m2

Agapanthus africanus/orientalis 200 50 x 50 50.0 Erythrina sp. 100 100 x 100 100 Hibiscus syriacus 100 100 x 100 100 Lantana montivedensis 150 50 x 50 37.5 Pennisetum setaceum ‘rubrum’ 200 75 x 75 112.5 Strelitzia reginea 200 75 x 75 112.5 Verbena peruviana 200 50 x 50 50.0 Total area needed for mother plant stock 1150 562.5

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Amman Zarqa Basin Kherbit Al-Samra

This location is characterized by being representative of the main weather pattern of the populated hilly areas of Jordan. A large portion of the agricultural sector is present in climate zones similar to this area; with a few exceptions (this location is closer to the desert than most other arable lands of Jordan). Even though that the weather pattern is more defined in this zone, it is also characterized by longer summer months. The Average temperature in summer is 32°C, reaching highs as much as 38°C in some days of the year. Winter is characterized by having cold days with colder nights. Frost is to be expected during some winter days in addition to radiation frost in the spring. Rainfall occurs mainly in January and February with some scattered rain during the months of December and March. There is more flexibility in terms of the weather and what can be adaptable in this zone; however, the main setback is the strong dry winds during many days of spring and summer.

Iris Nigricans (Black Iris) The Black iris is a difficult to acquire popular plant and prized item to any garden in Jordan. The national flower of Jordan blooms into a dark maroon to black color flower in spring and for a short period of time (which is where the name comes from). So far there is not an established mother plants stock at any commercial nursery in the country. This is why nursery owners, who have this easy to propagate plant in their stock, price it higher than it is really worth. This plant to succeed as a mother plant needs to be planted in winter or spring and to grow for one year before it can be propagated. The propagation process is a simple process of division and acclimatization. However, the plants must complete the year cycle before it can be successfully propagated; the recommended spacing is 30 x 30 cm.

Each mother plant can give 3 offsets after one year. The offsets will be ready for sale after an acclimatization period of two months. The price range for these plants this year was from 1.00 JD to 2.50 JD (US$ 1.41 – US$ 3.53). The pricing is highly dependant on the laws of supply and demand at the time; however, for reference the study used the lower end of the current selling price of 1.00 JD (US$ 1.41) and a purchase cost of mother plants as 2.00 JD (US$ 2.82) as seen in Table 6.

Buddleia davidii The Buddleia davidii is a deciduous shrub that grows up to two meters. It is Drought tolerant and easy to grow with striking purple flowers in summer. This plant is becoming increasingly popular among garden owners (100 ×100cm. spacing).

Each mother plant can give at least 50 cuttings only three months after planting and a rooting success rate of 70%. Four to five months later, the finished product can be sold for 0.50 JD (US$ 0.71), the initial cost for mother plants is about 2.50 JD (US$ 3.53) as in Table 6.

Blooming Bulb http://www.bloomingbulb.com

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Cistuss sp. The Cistuss is another native plant of Jordan, which is completely ignored by local growers and landscapers, yet extremely popular in Europe and other countries. This evergreen shrub is drought tolerant and easy to grow gives a show of pink red or white flowers starting in late spring until late summer (depending on variety); the spacing is 50 x 50 cm.

Each mother plant can give up to 25 cuttings, has a success rate of 70 %. Plants are ready for sale in 16 cm. pots at a market value of 1.00 JD (US$ 1.41) four to five months after propagation (see Table 6). Table 6. Estimated initial investment returns (in Jordanian Dinars) from plants in the Kherbit Al-Samra location.

Hemerocalis sp. The Hemerocalis is a drought tolerant, hardy perennial that is becoming increasingly popular in Jordan to say the least. Once garden owners see the flowers it becomes a must have in their gardens. Its soft grassy type leaves and large lily type flowers add brightness and softness to any landscape during the long summer months, the recommended spacing is 40 x 40 cm.

Similar to the black iris, it can only be propagated after completion the one-year/winter cycle. Each mother plant can give an average of 4 offsets, which are or can be ready for the market only three months after division. Each plant could be sold at 1.0 JD (US$ 1.41) per plant in 9 cm. pots. The mother plant stock price is estimated at 2.50 JD (US$ 3.53) as shown in Table 6.

Plant name Initial

qty Unit Cost

Initial Expense

Offsets per year

Expected Success

rate

Actual Offsets output

Total Offsets output

Exp. Selling price

Total gross

revenueBlack iris 500 2 1,000.00 3 100% 3 1,500 1.0 1,500.00Buddleia davidii 100 25 250.00 50 70% 35 3,500 0.5 1,750.00Cistus sp. 150 5 750.00 20 70% 14 2,100 1 2,100.00Hermerocalis sp. 300 25 750.00 4 100% 4 1,200 1 1,200.00Phlomis sp. 100 4 400.00 20 60% 12 1,200 1 1,200.00Vitex ungus castus 100 5 500.00 50 75% 37.5 3,750 1 3,750.00

3,900.000 13,250 11,500.00 Return 7,600.00

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Vitex ungus castus The Vitex ungus castus a native plant of Jordan is little known to growers and landscapers in this country; however, it is popular in many countries of the world. This ornamental is characterized as a large size bush or medium tree, with blue flowers in summer makes it an attractive addition to any garden. Additionally, it is drought tolerant and easy to grow, the optimum spacing is 100 x 100 cm.

Each mother plant can give up to 50 cuttings every year in less than nine months after planting, has a success rate of 75%, and a rooting and establishing period within the six month after cutting. The selling price is estimated at 1.0 JD (US$ 1.41). Stock mother plants can be purchased for less than 5.0 JD (US$ 7.06), see Table 6.

Phlomis fruiticosa The Phlomis fruiticosa is yet another native and drought tolerant plant that is completely ignored by growers and landscapers alike. Since 2004 began surfacing at some nurseries in Jordan and in small quantities. It is an evergreen shrub that blooms yellow flowers in late spring till mid summer, recommended spacing 75 x 75 cm.

Each mother plant can give at least 20 cuttings per year, has a success rate of 60%, and the new plants can be ready for sale in four to six months. The selling price is estimated as 1.0 JD (US$ 1.41) per plant in a 16 cm. pot (see Table 6).

Mother plant stock As in the previous unit the number of the mother plants, the space, and area needed for the plants according to our recommendation is shown in Table 7. Please note that these numbers are only recommendations to guide farmers while establishing their projects. The total amount of the investment is actually the determining factor regarding how many mother plants of each species to buy.

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Table 7. Recommended initial mother plants stock quantities and spacing, Kherbit Al-Samra.

Water requirements Table 8 outlines the recommendations on the watering regime for plants in Kherbit Al-Samra site. These guidelines have been established according to literature research and the consultants’ experience some of the plants. Table 8. Watering instructions for the Kherbit Al-Samra site.

Plant name Watering frequency

Quantity, liters / application

Winter compensation

Years after

Black iris every third day 20 once a week Twice / month Buddleia davidii every third day 20 once a week Once / week Cistuss sp. every third day 20 once a week Once a week

Hemerocalis sp. every third day 20

once a week Once or twice a week

Phlomis fruticosa every third day 20 once a week Once a week Vitex ungus castus every third day 20 once a week Twice / month

Financial Analysis of Kherbit Al-Samra site

The results in Table 9 show that under the current conditions the project is feasible, since the IRR of the basic scenario is about 135.6%, while this rate dropped to 54% in the case of an increase in costs of about 30% which is still high, details of the analysis in Appendix 1.

Table 9. Results of the Analysis for Kherbit Al-Samra

Plant name

Starting qty Spacing (cm.)

Area needed m2

Black iris 500 30 x 30 45 Buddleia davidii 100 100 x 100 100 Cistuss sp. 150 50 x 50 37.5 Hemerocalis sp. 300 40 x 40 48 Phlomis fruiticosa 100 75 x 75 56.25 Vitex ungus castus 100 100 x 100 100 Total area needed for mother plant stock 1,250 463.75

Basic Scenario Discount Rate (12%) Coefficient NPV 15,563 B/C Ratio 1.66 IRR 135.6% Sensitivity Analysis IRR Increasing costs by10% 98.1% Increase Costs by 20%: 73% Increase Costs by 30%: 54.0% Decrease in Total Returns by10% 94.9% Decrease in Total Returns 20% 62.7%

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Ghor Al Safi This location is characterized by extreme weather in the long hot summer days. Average temperature in the summer is 42 °C during the day. Winter is practically non existent. In fact, January and February are more like the spring of the mountainous areas of Jordan. Rain is scarce to say the least; frost is not a factor to worry about. This climate creates a strong limitation towards the choice of plants to consider for the area. Even though some species of plants can be grown successfully, the economical application of a propagation unit becomes too expensive to justify. Therefore, the consultants’ believe that the choice of plants should be made only of those that can thrive in desert like conditions, which are the succulents and cacti species. Succulents and cacti are becoming increasingly popular by garden owners in Jordan. In addition, some species have good export potential. Israel has become the largest exporter of ornamental desert plants to many countries around the world, including Europe and the US. All these plants and many others that belong to the cacti and succulent group are characterized by their heat and drought tolerance. However, as mentioned before, this does not mean that they can be used as mother plants if not watered sufficiently. It is true they do tolerate abuse and drought, but when considered as mother plants they should be treated as such. Their water requirement will be discussed in more details in a different section of this study. Regarding the propagation of these plants, take into consideration that these are slow growing yet very easy to propagate. Therefore, the limiting factor for such project is time, and not the propagation technique or the size of the mother plant or any other issue for the matter. Many of these mother plants are not available in Jordan, and if exports are in the plan, then a closer look into the choice of plant is needed. Furthermore the situation changes with respect to mother stock plant size, when importing this is a factor of great importance. If farmers choose to import young plants, grow them and then sell them, then the management of this project is applied in a completely different way as compared to when farmers decide to import bigger plants and propagate them.

This study, will describe the propagation details for some plants that are available in Jordan and have economical value. However, details regarding their feasibility will not be given since not enough information is available. Creating a feasibility table for such plants could be misleading. Prices change greatly every year and even during the seasons. A project of these types of plants should be established mainly for exports. Some data (mainly from the consultant’s experience) is given in each of the plants discussions that follows.

Agave sp. The Agave is the only one species of plants that belong to the genus Agave. The popular varieties Agave attenuata and Agave americana variegara are among those that have been used extensively in areas of no water or areas that have extreme weather. Several years after planting the original mother plant dies leaving behind hundreds of offsets that can be ready for sale within three months. However a three years old plant can produce up to 10

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offsets which are easily transferred into pots and sold after three months, the recommended spacing is 100 x 100. A medium size plant can be bought for about 5.00 JD (US$ 7.06), a year later offsets could be sold for 0.50 JD (US$ 0.71). However, if growers choose to keep the plants and grow them for one more year the price of the finished plant then more than doubles.

Many plant species that belong to succulents and cacti group are not found in Jordan; in addition, there is little knowledge by growers and nursery owners about how to handle these species. New plant species and varieties should be introduced and expert guidance should follow; this project should be given priority and careful attention. If established right, it can be good money making project and can increase the farmable land by a good margin, in addition to increasing the employment rate in the nearby villages.

Aloe sp.

Aloe vera is probably the most popular plant in this large group of plants of the family Liliaceae. It is commonly used in dry or desert landscape. The flowering takes place in winter, when very few plants give flowers. Most spices have small and thick spines, highly succulent leaves; many spices have medicinal properties. The aloes are characterized for drought and heat tolerance; however, are susceptible to severe frost.

Echeveria sp. The Echeveria species are low growing glaucus sculptural plants, with simple yet attractive flowers in winter; the recommended spacing is 30 x 30 cm. It is becoming increasingly popular with landscapers in Jordan and at the same time increasingly scarce. This is due to the fact that they are considered stingy plants in terms of propagation. Each plant can give 4 offsets, but only after one year of planting as a mother plant. Harvesting takes place once a year and the offsets can be sold two to three months later. The market value for mother plants can reach up to 4 JD (US$ 5.65); the resale value for the young plant is about 0.75 JD (US$ 1.06). This is why nursery growers tend to avoid dealing with this plant. Crassula sp. The Crassula is a small sculptural shrub with insignificant flowers. Its thick leathery leaves and thick stem, when mature, makes it a necessary addition to any sculptural or desert garden, the spacing is 50 x 50 cm. Even though they are easy to propagate, the retail price is still relatively high. A mature plant in an 18 cm. pot can be bought for 2.5 JD (US$ 3.53). The mother plant produces 20 cuttings per year, which could be sold in 16 cm. pots by growers for 1.00 JD (US$ 1.41).

Flowers & Plants Association, UK http://www.flowers.org.uk/about/contact-us.htm

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Sedum spectabillis The Sedum spectabillis is a perennial succulent that flowers in early to mid summer. It is used greatly by landscapers to give texture contrasts with other plants, or simply it can be a wonderful addition to any Mediterranean or rock garden, recommended spacing 30 x 30 cm. It is easily propagated by cuttings in late fall or spring, and can be sold in 9 cm. pots only two months later. The market value for the mother plants is 2.25 JD (US$ 3.18), and the selling price of offsets in 9 cm. pots is 0.5 JD (US$ 0.71). Each mature mother plant can supply at least 10 cuttings each year with a success rate of 90%.

Water requirements

While no agricultural project can succeed without the availability of water., it is clear to most experts that farmers (in the ornamental field) and garden owners, tend to irrigate excessively and at the wrong times. If the water issue is managed correctly, farmers can save a good amount of water each year in addition to saving on an expense that consumes a good portion of their investment. Therefore I will need to explain four concepts that are related to irrigation which can help whoever is interested learning and guiding farmers on how to save water:

• Drought tolerance: each plant has within it the ability to adjust its growth and survival according to the amount of water around it. This does not mean however, that plants can survive with half the amount of water it needs. There is a minimum amount of water each plant species needs no mater how drought tolerant it is. Yet, in order to figure out this amount farmers have to observe and adjust their watering routine accordingly. There is a certain guideline that farmers should follow (which I will explain) in order to understand how tolerant their plants are. Farmers have to understand that more water doesn’t necessarily mean better growth.

• Acclimatization: this concept means that people who grow plants should be in

control and not the other way around. In other words, farmers can teach, and sometimes force plants, to perform as good under conditions that are different than what is ideal (in terms of water and climate).

• Arid planting: the philosophy of arid planting (arid landscape) is to understand

the exact environmental conditions in any area that needs to be planted (any dry and hot areas) and to now exactly what works there and how. The plant selection is of great importance if one chooses to plant in arid areas. Farmers need to know the environmental condition of their location and to select the right plants for it. Drought tolerance and acclimatization are important elements of arid planting.

• Establishment: the plants must be properly established in the field in order to be

certain that they are acclimatized to the concept of arid planting, which means that the plants have actually been through a few heat waves without being negatively affected.

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Taking these four factors into consideration, the grower should understand that even though there is a good deal of flexibility in dealing with plants, there are also limitations. The time of planting is critical for each plant if this concept of farming is considered; in addition, careful observation is a must. Farmers can easily loose their mother plants or they will find difficult to achieve this concept if they do not read the vital signs of the plants. A strict schedule of irrigation should be applied once plants are established under the concept of arid planting. Table 10 lists the plants in this section and their estimated water requirement for the first year and subsequent years, once they are established as mother plants in the field. However, the subsequent year’s regime is only to be implemented if and only if these plants have been established. Any attempt to treat non-established plants as such will end up in major setbacks.

Table 10. Watering regime recommendations, 1st and subsequent years, Ghor Al-Safi

In conclusion, farmers will start getting the feel of producing ornamental plants; they will be able to make a better judgment regarding how to expand their mother stock plants, in quantity or variety. Again, with the proper expert guidance expanding the project is easily achieved. More drought tolerant plants can be introduced and a better evaluation of market at the time can help farmers to make proper adjustments. Reinvesting in new varieties or expanding their stock using their own production can also be an option.

Marketing Potential

Information presented in this study with respect to markets and marketing of the plants, is based upon the consultant’s personal experience and knowledge from managing our private company doing our own contacts and research. No official information regarding this issue, neither at the Ministry of Agriculture nor at any European agency for the matter (as far as we know). However, we are currently working in cooperation with EJADA in order to find out more about the export potential regarding these ornamental plants; once we have any additional information our company will be happy to share it with you.

The potential market for these plants, locally there is an increasing demand for all the plants listed in the study; in fact, besides the drought tolerance characteristic, the demand was a strong factor in the selection for the study. However, the interested farmers / nursery owners need to take in account that the ornamental plants market is extremely dynamic; changes do occur every season. Therefore, each producer has to always monitor the market and adjust production accordingly. Nevertheless, since most of these plants are recent introductions to the landscaping business, it can comfortably be assured that demands will most likely increase.

Plant name

Watering frequency 1st

year Quantity, liters

/ application Winter

compensation

Years after

Agave sp. 3 times / week 10 - Twice a month Aloe sp. 3 times / week 5 - Once/week Echeveria sp. 3 times / week 5 - Once/week Crassula sp. 3 times / week 5 - Once/week Sedum spectabillis 3 times / week 5 - Twice / week

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The demand in international markets including the CCG and Arabic countries is probably better as an example: our contacts with nursery owners in Dubai clearly show that there is a good potential for these plants. In fact our company is already negotiating with one nursery for a shipment of plants to be delivered in the near future. The Iraqi market has a lot of potential; however, security concerns at the present time prevent most business to interact with potential buyers.

The European market is a market that needs to be studied more (which our company is doing with EJADA as mentioned before). There is a strong potential for exporting plants to Germany, Italy and Holland among other EU countries (see Table 11). Initial contacts have been made nurseries in Italy and plans have been made for visits this summer to explore the potential for cooperation agreements. In addition, contacts were made with some German nursery owners during our visit in January, 2004 to the Essen Agricultural Show. The show is one of the most important events for this business in Europe. Plans have also been made for visits to Holland in November, 2004 to the JTV plant and flower exhibition.

Table 11. Marketing potential.

There are several suppliers of these types of plants in the local market (list below); however, these operations are to a small scale, if exports are being sought, technical support is highly recommended. Please note however that there is no guarantee that these nurseries can sell these plants through out the year, all depends on production and demand. A list of some nurseries that produce the plants mentioned in the study follows:

• X-Plant Nursery • Al Shami Nursery • Tayma Nursery • Al Waha Nursery

Plant name Local

market CCG / Arab

countries Other

Intl. markets Agapanthus africanus/orientalis • • • Erythrina sp. • • • Hibiscus syriacus • • Lantana montevidensis • • Pennisetum setaceum ‘rubrum’ • • • Strelitzia reginea • • Verbena peruviana • • Black iris • • Buddleia davidii • • Cistus sp. • • • Hermerocalis sp. • • • Phlomis sp. • • • Vitex ungus castus • • • Agave sp. • • • Aloe sp. • • • Echeveria sp. • • Crassula sp. • • Sedum spectabillis • • •

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• Dakkak Nursery • Al Sawsan Nursery • Al sabe’e Nursery

There are also two new nurseries that are being established by WEPIA and run by societies for women who are planning to produce some of these plants.

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Appendix 1: Details of the financial and sensitivity analysis for the Karama site.

Year Cost

Sensitivity Analysis

Item 1 2 3 4 5 NPV B/C Ratio IRR

Capital Costs Shade House 1350 Storage unit 2000 Propagation House 1350 Working Area 1000 Mother Plant Stock 3545 Irrigation System 500 Manure 300 Total C.C 10045 8968.75 Operational Costs labor 1800 1800 1800 1800 1800

Water 60 60 60 60 60 Pots 3918 3918 3918 3918 3918 Peat moss 850 850 850 850 850 pesticides & hormones 100 100 100 100 100 Fertilizers 100 100 100 100 100 Total O.C 6828 6828 6828 6828 6828 24613.41 Total C. 16873 6828 6828 6828 6828 33582.16 Total Return 13720 13720 13720 13720 13720 49457.53 Cash flow -3153 6892 6892 6892 6892 15875.37 1.472732 2.164045 Cost increase by 0.1 -4840.3 6209.2 6209.2 6209.2 6209.2 12517.15 1.231036 0.2 -6527.6 5526.4 5526.4 5526.4 5526.4 9158.935 0.75798 0.3 -8214.9 4843.6 4843.6 4843.6 4843.6 5800.719 0.459763 Returns decrease by 0.1 -4525 5520 5520 5520 5520 10929.61 1.164292 0.2 -5897 4148 4148 4148 4148 5983.862 0.594621

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Appendix 2. Analysis of Khirbet Al-Samra site.

Year Cost

Sensitivity analysis

Item 1 2 3 4 5

NPV (At 12%)

B/C Ratio(At 12%) IRR

Capital Costs Shade House 1350 Storage unit 2000 Propagation House 1350 Working Area 1000 Mother Plant Stock 3650 Irrigation System 500 Manure 300 Total C.C 10150 9062.5 Operational Costs labor 1800 1800 1800 1800 1800 Water 60 60 60 60 60 Pots 1590 1590 1590 1590 1590 Peat moss 350 350 350 350 350 pesticides & hormones 100 100 100 100 100 Fertilizers 100 100 100 100 100 Total O.C 4000 4000 4000 4000 4000 14419.1 Total C. 14150 4000 4000 4000 4000 23481.6 Total Return 8800 11500 11500 11500 11500 39044.21 Cash flow -5350 7500 7500 7500 7500 15562.61 1.662757 1.356401

Cost increase by 0.1 -6765 7100 7100 7100 7100 13214.45 0.981431 0.2 -8180 6700 6700 6700 6700 10866.29 0.726992 0.3 -9595 6300 6300 6300 6300 8518.126 0.53979 Returns decrease by 0.1 -6230 6350 6350 6350 6350 11658.19 0.94856 0.2 -7110 5200 5200 5200 5200 7753.765 0.62699

U.S. Agency for International Development Office of Water Resources and Environment

American Embassy, Abdoun Amman 11118, Jordan Tel: (962) 6-591-0101 Fax: (962) 6-592-0143

www.usaid.gov