Early growth stages structure and distribution of Pericopsis elata (Harms) van Meeuven in a logging concession of South – East Cameroon – JBES

Nnanga M. Ruth Laure Mala Armand William, Ndongo Din

The University of Yaounde I, Faculty of Science, Department of Plant Biology and Physiology, PO Box 812, Yaounde, Cameroon

Key words: Annual allowance cut, density, natural regeneration, seedling, spatial distribution.

Abstract

Pericopsis elata (Harms) van Meeuwen is a tropical Africa’s timber of high economic value. In many countries its low natural regeneration rate does not favor the replacement of harvested populations, thus CITES and IUCN recommended a total protection of the species. This survey aimed to characterize the early growth stages and natural regeneration of P. elata through the determination of seedlings distribution and structure. Squared plots of 2500 m² were installed around stumps and seed-bearing trees respectively in the logged and unlogged forest concessions at Ouesso, near Yokadouma, South-East Cameroon. Stumps, seed-bearing trees and seedlings werecounted and their structural parameters (diameter and height) were recorded. A total of 56 plots corresponding to 14 ha were surveyed and 1069 seedlings were recorded. The rate of regeneration was 56% around stumps and 24.13% around seed-bearing trees. The spatial distribution of seedlings appears to be aggregated. Germination and seedling growth have shown that early growth stages of Pericopsis elata are not representing a relevant limiting factor for the evolution of population. However, the limited number of saplings and the lack of poles suggest that light could play and important role in the evolution of the early stages.

jbes-vol5no3-p354-363