Native and Endangered Timber Tree Species in Homegardens of Northeast and Northcentral Vietnam

Abstract

Homegardens are receiving increasing attention for in-situ plant genetic conservation in biodiversity conservation programs. To inform authorities and conservation stakeholders, we investigated the diversity and provenance type of tree species in 120 homegardens in Northeast and Northcentral Vietnam. The study showed that ten of sixteen recorded timber trees are native to the country, including one (Aquilaria crassna) classified as ‘critically endangered’ two ‘endangered’ (Erythrophleum fordii and Parashorea chinensis), and one ’vulnerable’ (Dalbergia tonkinensis), according to the global Red List of threatened tree species. The study provides evidence for the potential role of homegardens as plant genetic source and in-situ conservation, and we recommend that the Government of Vietnam recognizes this opportunity through support programs for diversification and domestication of native tree species for homegardens.