Uses, Management and Economic Potential of Garcinia kola and Ricinodendron heudelotii in the humid lowlands of Cameroon

Background

This article describes two common fruit and medicinal trees (non-timber) that grow in secondary forests in the lowlands of Cameroon. The trees are found to have a mixed effect in an agroforestry environment; sometimes they improve crop production, sometimes they do not. Fruit are consumed by families and sold in markets.

Goals & Methods

In order to understand and quantify the uses, management, and economic potential at the farm-level of the species described above, a field survey was undertaken, whic collected data concerning the production, consumption, and marketing of the fruits and medicines. 

Conclusions & Takeaways

Garcinia kola: botanical description, distribution in the lowlands of Cameroon, and uses are given. Reproduction is estimated to be ~80% germination rate from seed, and young plants must be shaded. Ricinodendron heudelotii : botanical description, distribution, and uses are given; germination is estimated to be less than 40% and slow, but once established, plants grow rapidly in the sun. Little vegetative reproduction is attempted with these plants, and the authors suggest further research in this area, in addition to research in faster fruit production.