The Effects of Some Ecological and Anthropic Factors on the Survival and Bark Recovery Rate of Prunus africana (Rosaceae) in South-West, Cameroon

Abstract

Prunus africana is important for its bark used in the treatment of benign prostate hyperplasia in SouthWest Cameroon which has led to overexploitation of natural population of the species. Prunus africana is listed as an endangered species. Despite the relevance of bark, little information on the effects of some ecological and anthropic factors on the survival and bark recovery rate of Prunus africana is known. Debarking followed a combination of four factors: season of bark harvesting, three stem diameter classes and three intensities of trunk circumference debarked. After debarking, trees were trimestrially monitored for a two years period during which the survival of the tree and the speed of regeneration of the bark were recorded. Results show a dead rate of 13.33%. The rate of recovery of the bark at low altitude was about 21.27 cm/year. The best season for debarking was the rainy season (27.49 cm/year). Trees with a weak diameter (20-30 cm) showed a low rate of recovery (18.28 cm/year) and also those whose bark were peeled on a surface of 75 % of the tree’s diameter (29.09 cm/year). These factors have important implications in drawing strategies for sustainable harvesting, management and conservation of this species.