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

A lack of silvicultural information on native timber species in the tropics has contributed to the propogation of fast-growing exotic tree species in reforestation efforts. The plantations evaluated at the La Selva Biological Station in Costa Rica were considered marginal lands with low input of forest maintenance, reflecting the conditions of many lands that farmers would use for reforestation.

Research goals and methods

This article investigates the viability of commercial reforestation of native timber species in Costa Rica through a species screening trial, exploring the growth and survival status of native tree species. Seedlings of 14 species were randomly planted across different plots and measured annually (survival, DBH, and total height).

Conclusions & 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. Beyond the scope of Costa Rica, the findings of this study encourage consideration of native timber species for commercial plantations. 

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