Screening trial of 14 tropical hardwoods with an emphasis on species native to Costa Rica: Fourth year results

Screening trial of 14 tropical hardwoods with an emphasis on species native to Costa Rica: Fourth year results

Background

Commercial forestry plantations have consistently relied on a limitd number of species, often favoring exotic species over native ones. This is mainly due to a lack of information or understanding related to the silviculture of native species plantations. This article uses a long-term experiement site in Costa Rica's La Selva Biological Station to work towards filling this knowledge gap. 

Goals & Methods

The goal of the article is to find new timber species for reforestation and to test the potential of native species that are exploited in natural forests for forestry plantations. The authors chose 14 species to test, using a randomized block design with five replications per block. Percent survival was calculated for each block. 

Conclusion & Takeaways

Vochysia guatemalensis had the highest survival, growth and form. Vochysia ferruginea, Hyeronima alchorneoides, Dipteryx panamensis, and Calophyllum brasiliense also had fast growth, high survival rates and acceptable form. Given the early growth and survival, these timber species would likely prove viable for the Costa Rican Forest Service to encourage for use in reforestation programs.

 

Reference: 

Butterfield RP, Mariano EC. Screening trial of 14 tropical hardwoods with an emphasis on species native to Costa Rica: Fourth year results. New Forests. 1995;9:135–145. doi:10.1007/bf00028686.

Affiliation: 

  • Organization for Tropical Studies, Durham, North Carolina, USA