Abstract
Research work on the improvement and breeding of indigenous hardwood species in Nigeria started about four decades ago. Such studies prove to be fruitful in planning various conservative programme specific to different habitats. The present preliminary study focuses on the flowering and fruiting pattern of a 5 year old Afzelia africana artificial forest at Eastern Research Station, Umuahia, Abia State, Nigeria. The parameters observed were phenology, flowering intensity, floral biology, fruit set and floral visitors. Flowering was first observed in 2012 (three years after planting) and subsequently in 2014 (five years after planting), although no fruit was set until 2014. All the processes of flowering to fruiting took place between January to August, with flowering peak occurring in March. The flowering intensity was very low, ranging among 286, 138, and 54, with a very low flower to fruit ratio. It is presumed that the relative young age of the trees and reduced population size amongst other probable factors may have accounted for this observation. This study is the first record of flowering and fruiting pattern of this species at plantation level in Nigeria. By late July/August, matured fruits were ready for harvest.
Highlights
Afzelia Smith is a small tropical genus belonging to the family Caesalpinaceae
The species, Afzelia africana Sm (Counter wood tree) understudy is commonly found in the Savanna fringing forests and drier parts of the forest region in Nigeria [1]
The already dehisced fruits could be allowed to disperse the seeds which could take longer than August. This preliminary investigation reveales that A. africana flowers biennially in Umuahia, with flowers obtained between March and April
Summary
Afzelia Smith is a small tropical genus belonging to the family Caesalpinaceae. It is represented in Nigeria byHow to cite this paper: Ariwaodo, J.O. and Harry-Asobara, J.L. (2015) Preliminary Investigation on Flowering and Fruiting Pattern in a Plantation Grown Afzelia africana Sm Stand in Umuahia, Nigeria. Afzelia Smith is a small tropical genus belonging to the family Caesalpinaceae. How to cite this paper: Ariwaodo, J.O. and Harry-Asobara, J.L. L. Harry-Asobara four tree species: Afzelia pachyloba, Afzelia bipindensis, Afzelia bella and Afzelia africana. The species, Afzelia africana Sm (Counter wood tree) understudy is commonly found in the Savanna fringing forests and drier parts of the forest region in Nigeria [1]. It is the most valuable in terms of economic importance among the occurring tree species. A dyestuff called “Afzelin” has been isolated from the wood pores which may cause discolouration of fabrics, papers etc
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