The purpose of this study is to determine the morphological diversity and distribution of Garcinia kola Heckel (Clusiaceae) in two preferential agroecological growth areas in Côte d'Ivoire, for the sustainable management of the species. Ninety-four (94) trees of G. kola were sampled in Affery (south) and Biankouma (west) and characterized on the basis of 13 quantitative characteristics of the fruit, the general appearance of a plant, leaves and seeds. This study revealed the existence of very significant variability and differences within the trees sampled for most characteristics. Very strong correlations were found among the characteristics of the fruits. On the basis of these characteristics, it emerged that the fruits of the Biankouma area are larger than those of Affery. Multivariate analyses show that diversity is structured with tree distribution into four distinct groups based on the following discriminating characteristics: fruit height (Hfr), leaf width (largF), seed mass (Mgr) and trunk diameter (Dm). These parameters can be used as a basis for selecting and maintaining the high variability of G. kola. Analysis of the geographical distribution of trees, based on the nearest neighbour model, revealed an aggregate distribution in both areas.

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.

This study aims to characterize the genetic diversity of two populations of Garcinia kola using five RAPD markers in order to contribute to the development of sustainable management and conservation strategy for this species. Genomic Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) extracted from leaf fragments of 94 trees from two agroecological (south and west) zones according to Cethyl Trimethyl Ammonium Bromide (CTAB) protocol was analyzed. The mean number of alleles was ranged from 14.2 to 21.2 and the effective number of alleles ranged from 8.62 to 9.44. The average Shannon diversity index was ranged from 2.08 to 2.59 and the average genetic diversity was estimated to be 0.80. A total of 58 polymorphic bands were identified with a polymorphism rate of 100%. According to analysis of molecular variance the most important component of the genetic variation was obtained within population (94%). The analysis of the genetic diversity of all the trees revealed the existence of two groups composed of the trees from the two populations. In addition, genetic differentiation between the two populations was relatively moderate (Fst = 0.061). Sustainable management of G. kola trees should be achieved through in situ conservation. But for ex situ conservation it would be more practical to take as many individuals as possible within populations.