Stand distribution and structure of Pericopsis elata (Harms) van Meeuwen, in the humid dense forest zone of the East Region of Cameroon

Abstract

Pericopsis elata is a native forest species with high timber value. To characterize its structure and distribution, a study was carried out in the East Region of Cameroon. Data were collected in 50 quadrats of 20 × 20 m2 installed in 10 plots of 1 ha (5 quadrats per plot) using the horizontal projection quadrats method and all individuals of DBH ≥ 10 cm were assessed for their abundance, density, basal area, diameter-size class, average number, length, thickness and height of buttresses. A total of 158 P. elata individuals were identified (16 individuals/ha). The diametric structure revealed a “bell” or normal distribution that illustrates the heliophile nature of this species. All stages of growth were encountered except for the ≤10 cm, but the low unfavorable luminosity of the understory greatly reduced the density of the undergrowth. The Distribution index I and the Morisita test confirmed the aggregated distribution of this species favored by endogenous and exogenous factors. The chi square results indicated a significant difference in the different plots thus P. elata is habitat-dependent. The average buttress height and serrations observed at the base of the trunk is an indication that the species is not found at the forest floor and an adaptation to the environmental conditions as well as the absence of a taproot in this species. Though in high abundance in the natural forests, the low abundance of P. elata in the ≤10 cm and its aggregated distribution, requires silvicultural practices to improve its low natural regeneration rate.