Evaluation of the Floristic, Phytosociological and Geographic Characteristics of the Understorey of an Ex-plantation of Guarrea cedrata (A Chev.) in the Yangambi DR. Congo

Abstract

The aim of this study was to evaluate and compare the floristic diversity, phytosociological spectra and geographical characteristics of the understorey of the old abandoned plantation of the Yangambi Biosphere Reserve, using the Martineau and Blanc-étoc silvicultural methods. This was done to fill gaps in our knowledge of the latter. The experimental setup consisted of 50*50 m (Martineau method, 2023) and 50*50 m (Blanc-étoc, 2023).  All undergrowth species with a diameter of 5.0 cm or greater were inventoried using Letouzey's [1] established technique. Technical abbreviations were clearly explained upon first use. The websites www.tropicos.org and www.ville-ge.ch/musinfo/bd/cjb/africa and the catalogue-flora of vascular plants in the Kisangani and Tshopo districts of the DR Congo were consulted to determine the phytosociological and geographical spectrum. After analysis, it is apparent that the Strombosio-Parinarietea species carry more significance than other varieties found in Martineau and Musanga-Terminalietea in Blanc-étoc. Compared to the other vegetation types studied, our observations show that the endemic species from Guinea and Congo are more abundant in the understorey. Consequently, the study shows a complete geographical convergence, while phytosociologically there is a complete divergence between the two silvicultural methods observed.