AbstractmThe effects of propagation microclimate and foliar area on the rooting of Cordia alliodora (Ruiz & Pavon) Oken cuttings were investigated using non-mist propagators with and without shade. Photosynthetic rates (Pn), stomatal conductance (gs) and chlorophyll fluorescence ratio (Fv/Fm) of the cuttings were assessed during propagation. Pronounced differences in microclimate were recorded between treatments, with lower temperatures and vapour pressure deficit (VPD) under shade. During the first 8 days after insertion, Pn varied between 2.21 and 4.96 and 0.47 -2.54 µmol CO2 m -2 s -1 in the shaded and unshaded propagators, respectively. In the unshaded propagator, Fv/ Fm decreased to a minimum of 0.72 2 days after insertion, recovering thereafter. In two separate rooting experiments, rooting percentage was reduced by high irradiance in the 20 and 30 cm 2 leaf area treatments, but not in the 10 cm 2 treatment. Pn decreased with an increase in leaf area in both shaded and unshaded propagators. Fv/Fm also declined with increasing leaf area in the high irradiance treatment. PAR and Pn were positively correlated under shade (r 2 = 0.51) but negatively correlated in the unshaded treatment (r 2 = 0.49); maximum Pn values were recorded at a PAR of 400 µmol m -2 s -1 . No significant differences in gs were found between treatments, values ranging between 130 and 194 mmol H2O m -2 s -1 . Positive correlations were found between rooting percentage and mean Fv/Fm. These results indicate that rooting of C. alliodora cuttings is related to photosynthetic activity during propagation, which is itself influenced both by propagator microclimate and cutting leaf area. Key wordsmPhotosynthesis ? Stomatal conductance ? Chlorophyll fluorescence ? Vegetative propagation ? Cordia alliodora