Natural Regeneration Dynamics of Borassus aethiopum Mart. (Arecaceae) in the Palm Groves of Toumodi, Central Côte d’Ivoire

Abstract

Natural regeneration is central to understanding the persistence of Borassus aethiopum Mart. stands exposed to local resource use in central Côte d’Ivoire. This study characterised developmental stages and examined population structure in the palm groves of Adaou, Loukou-Yaokro and Blê in the Toumodi department during 2020–2021. Floristic and dendrometric observations were made in ten 50 × 50 m plots. A total of 1,750 individuals were inventoried, comprising 370 at Adaou, 670 at Loukou-Yaokro and 710 at Blê. Developmental-stage densities, sex ratios, basal area, the Importance Value Index (IVI), diameter distributions and biovolume were assessed. Adult sex ratios were below unity at all sites, with values of 0.55 at Adaou, 0.50 at Loukou-Yaokro and 0.00 at Blê, indicating a predominance of individuals classified as female. Patterns differed among sites and developmental stages. At Adaou, stage 4 recorded the highest IVI (52.73%), whereas stage 2 had the highest values at Loukou-Yaokro (54.68%) and Blê (85.71%). Stage 4 also recorded the greatest biovolume at all sites, ranging from 10.51 to 12.66 m³. Diameter distributions indicated differences in the representation of small, intermediate and large individuals among the palm groves. The findings demonstrate variation in stand structure across the study area and provide a descriptive basis for further investigation of recruitment, growth and the effects of exploitation on natural regeneration.