Abstract
Ecological structure and fruit production of African fan palm stands in Benin were studied on the basis of surveys laid out in ten (10) populations located in three ecological zones. Dendrometric and fruit production parameters such as: diameter at breast height (dbh), total height (TH), number of fruit bunch per tree, number of fruits per tree, number of seeds per fruit, fruit length and width were measured on all African fan palm trees within thirteen (13) plots of 1,000 m². Diameter and height classes distribution of the palms in each ecological zone adjusted to Weibull distribution showed a bell shaped curve with left dissymmetry, characteristic of young stands (form coefficient between 1 and 3.6). African fan palm stem number was 156 trees/ha. Variation of dbh, TH, number of fruit bunch per tree were highly significant between populations and ecological zones (P < 0.05%). Trees from Sudanian zone were highly grown (mean dbh = 52.2 cm) while those of Sudano - Guinean transition zone were less (mean dbh = 32.73 cm) and dominated by female trees. African fan palm stands of Pahou is suitable for seed collection for in situ conservation of the species while those of Ouorghi and Akomiah could provide fruits for edible hypocotyls production.
Highlights
Tropical forests are an important reservoir of biodiversity and they play a fundamental role in giving satisfaction to many needs of the people
Ecological structure and fruit production of African fan palm stands in Benin were studied on the basis of surveys laid out in ten (10) populations located in three ecological zones
Sustainable management of African fan palm populations for providing woods for housing, fencing and fuel woods should mainly rely on the male trees with a sex ratio of three females for one male and an optimal number of 100 trees per hectare
Summary
Tropical forests are an important reservoir of biodiversity and they play a fundamental role in giving satisfaction to many needs of the people. The non timber forest products, exploited and consumed by local people are becoming very scarce due to high human pressure, over exploitation, non sufficient silvicultural data, climate changes highlighted by the recurrent dry seasons, all situation that compromises local people food security and income. It is the case of African fan palm (Borassus aethiopum) which provide people with a wide usefulness on ecological, nutritional, therapeutically, small scale producing and culturally plans [1,2,3,4,5]. Its wood is very resistant to termites and fungi attacks and to climate variations
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