Structure and diversity of the African plum, Sclerocarya birrea (A.Rich.) Hochst., stands across a phytogeographic gradient in Burkina Faso

Abstract

Wild fruit trees such as the African plum, S. birrea, play an essential role in the socio-economic resilience of local
populations. This study aims to assess the status of S. birrea in two phytogeographic sector of Burkina Faso.
Oriented sampling scheme based on the species stands was used to collect dendrometric and demographic data
through vegetation inventory using 1000 m² unit plots. A comparative analysis of stand diversity, woody species
associated with S. birrea, dendrometric and structural parameter s was made between the two phytogeographic
sectors. Variability in S. birrea stands was noted and six species were most associated with African plum. The
woody species diversity of stands and the density of the populations decreased significantly (p<0.001) from the
north-Sudanian to the sub-Sahelian. The diameter classes distribution of trees revealed unstable populations while
height classes distribution of juveniles showed recruitment difficulties. The global bad health of the species
individuals due to the strong anthropic pressure is a proof of its vulnerability. In view of the se results, it is necessary
to increase the resilience capacity of the species for its successful conservation.