Phénologie florale dans une jeune forêt secondaire hygrophile du Cameroun

Abstract

This work was carried out to study the flowering phenology in a young forest of about fifteen years old. For its location in the intrication zone of mixed forests, this forest was made up of both evergreen and deciduous species. Six strata and distinct sub-strata, with already defined biophysiognomic types and according to the stratification-type model, were observed to study flowering phenology through its rhythm, diversity and intensity. Generally, the floral diversity and intensity showed a parallel evolution, except during the long dry season and part of the short rainy season, in the course of which mass flowering were observed. At the level of some strata, seasonal expression greatly differed with that of the whole forest. The model of a unique annual flowering during the long rainy season or the long dry season, combined with an average anthesis duration, was observed in a good number of species in this forest. Nevertheless, when considering flowering duration, some variations in phenologic behaviour with respect to stratum were noted within certain species.