Structural characterization of over-exploited forest species: Case of Garcinia kola Heckel (Clusiaceae) in Cte dIvoire

The purpose of this study is to define the structural characteristics and spatial distribution of endangered Garcinia kola in Côte d'Ivoire, in order to ensure sustainable management of the species. The study was conducted in two natural growth zones (Affery and Biankouma) of the species and involved 94 trees with a minimum diameter of 10 cm measured at 1.30 m from the ground. The data collection method consisted of a mobile inventory within 100 m × 100 m plots. The study revealed that G. kola has an aggregated distribution. Both stands are dominated by medium class trees, [30-40 cm], [40-50 cm], [50-60 cm]. Modeling of all trees in each stand, divided into diameter classes according to the Weibull distribution, shows that G. kola has a low regeneration potential, with a shape parameter c = 2.41 and 1.74. In addition, basal area and tree density are very low. Sustainable management of this species therefore requires awareness of its domestication.