Orchid Diversity and Biomass on a Native Host Tree Species in a Semi-deciduous Rain Forest of Cameroon

Abstract

ABSTRACT Triplochiton scleroxylon K. Schum is among an intensively exploited tree species in the Congo basin forest including the humid forest of Cameroon. As most tropical tree species, it is a potential host of epiphytic orchids for which little information is available. The aim of this study was to assess the biomass and orchids diversity that colonize T. scleroxylon in a semi-deciduous rain forest of Cameroon. Orchid species were inventoried exclusively on 20 felled T. scleroxylon. Orchid biomass obtained by destructive harvest was expressed in kg/tree. Orchid biomass was estimated in four randomized plots of 250 m × 20 m each, using allometric equations established. Twenty-nine orchid species were recorded on T. scleroxylon, while the mean orchid biomass was 1.23 kg/tree. Minimum T. scleroxylon diameter for orchid occurrence was 68.6 cm. The relationship between orchid biomass and T. scleroxylon diameter was low (Adj.R2˂0.4) and height did not improve the model. According to orchid biomass on T. scleroxylon (14.63 kg/ha), an estimated loss associated with T. scleroxylon’s exploitation was 10.47 kg/ha. This study expanded knowledge of orchid species linked to highly exploited T.scleroxylon in the Congo basin forest that impose conservation strategy, in the light of current degradation of their natural habitat and climate change mitigation.