Species files in tropical forestry

Abstract

Compared to the total tropical genetic tree pool, only a fraction of the just over 200 species account for 98 % of the total plantations in the tropics. The 215 most frequently used species for plantations are listed below, including trees, bamboos, and rattans. The combination of a master list of plantation species along with precise species files allows for rapid and appropriate species selection. This serves as a basis for further investigation and, if necessary, corresponding field trials. The species master list includes the main possible objectives of plantations, including industrial plantation, agroforestry, rehabilitation of forestry land, enrichment planting, mining area rehabilitation, and urban plantations. The corresponding species files list the main features which are necessary to have an appropriate knowledge for decision-making on species: botanical name, taxonomy, natural occurrence, climate, soils, silviculture, production, planting objectives, timber, utilization, nursery, pests, and diseases.