Floristic Diversity and Structure of Cocoa Agro-Ecosystems in Southeastern Cameroon

Abstract

The study was carried out in two localities surrounding the national park of Lobeke in Cameroon. It aims to evaluate floristic diversity and carbon stock in Cocoa agro-ecosystems. 44 plots (25 x 25 m) were established in 15 agro-ecosystems of different ages to identify all timbers of at least 10 cm of Diameter of Breast Height (DBH). 2,676 individuals of timbers and 42 bananas belonging to 32 families, 68 genera and 74 species were recorded. The most abundant families were Malvaceae (80.1%), Mimosaceae (4.6%), Euphorbiaceae (2.5%), Cecropiaceae (2.3%), Moraceae (1.3%) and Apocynaceae (1.1%). Theobroma was the most abundant genus (79.2%), followed Albizia (4.33%), Myrianthus (1.57%), Macaranga (1.12%) and Antiaris (1.08%). Biomass was estimated at 140 Mg C.ha-1. In timbers, carbon stock was estimated at 128.7 Mg C/ha. That of litters was estimated at 7.7 Mg C/ha; herbs at 2.53 Mg C/ha; roots at 1.43 Mg C/ha and bananas at 0.5 Mg C/ha. Carbon stocks from this agro-ecosystem were compared to data recorded in Costa Rica and India. Several species used as non-timber forest products during dry season were recorded. Cocoa agro-ecosystems could be assimilated to a carbon well; and consequently as an attenuation and adaptation measure in mitigating climate change.