Phenological Studies of Some Indigenous Tree Species in the Takamanda National Park, South West Cameroon

Abstract

The vegetative and reproductive phenology of 17 overstorey and 10 understorey species were studied in the Takamanda National Park in Cameroon. Phenological observations; leaf initial, maturation, abscission, flush (vegetative), while flower initiation, maturation, dropping and fruit initiation, maturation, dropping and ripening (reproductive) were carried out monthly for two years (January 2012 - December 2013). Results indicated that phenological behaviour of most of the tree species was similar for the two years of monitoring. A prominent peak in leaf abscission, leaf initiation, flower initiation and fruit ripening of overstorey species occurred in December, February, July-August and February-March respectively. However, the peak periods of such phenological events in understorey species were different from that of the overstorey species. It was noted that fruit maturation and ripening of the overstorey species attained their major peak in December and a minor peak in February while the understorey tree species recorded their main peak in March and minor in February. Leaf flushing for both overstorey and understorey species occurred at the end of the dry season (January- February). Fruit dropping in many species coincided with early rains, thus ensuring available moisture for seed germination and establishment. Temperature was (P<0.01) significantly positively correlated with fruit ripening for the overstorey and understorey species. Rainfall was significant (P<0.01) but was negatively correlated with leaf initiation, leaf dropping, flower initiation and fruit ripening. The phenological information obtained in this study is mostly influenced by the seasons and would be useful for planning proper management strategies to sustain plant regeneration dynamics in the Takamanda National Park.