Population density, structure and early growth characteristics of Tarchonanthus camphoratus in a woodland at Naivasha, Kenya

Abstract

A study on population density, structure, distribution and early growth characteristics of Tarchonanthus camphoratus was carried out on a Tarchonanthus-dominated woodland. A line plot transect 4 km in length was laid out in a woodland along the altitudinal gradient capturing most of the observed vegetation variation. In total 34, 20 · 20 m plots were evaluated for their horizontal population structure and species composition. In addition, six more plots dominated by Tarchonanthus were monitored for coppice and shoot development for a period of 8 months. Understanding of growth and population characteristics of the dominant species in woodland is necessary for its effective management. Results indicate that the woodland can be delineated into three distinct stands by using cluster analysis based on location and composition. The diameter size class distribution of the woodland follows a reverse J curve, which indicate a normal uneven-aged forest. Tarchonanthus camphoratus has a high regenerative power after cutting or burning, which indicates its high potential for sustainable management. It was concluded that the woodland could be stratified into distinct stands for management. Permanent sample plots should be established to determine the sustained yield, as size-class distribution alone is insufficient. A management and utilization schedule based on distinct stands is recommended.

Overgrazing and bush encroachment by Tarchonanthus camphoratus in a semi‐arid savanna

“…Tarchonanthus camphoratus reproduces vegetatively and has small winddispersed seeds (Noad & Bernie, 1989;Coates-Palgrave, 2002); this together with its hardy characteristics and aggressive resprouting behaviour after disturbance, e.g. by fire, makes it a potential bush encroacher, particularly in disturbed habitats as other studies have shown (Kiruki & Njung'e, 2007). We predict that overgrazing by livestock facilitates net recruitment of T. camphoratus.…”

“…In a study to characterize population density, structure and early growth characteristics of T. camphoratus, Kiruki & Njung'e (2007) also found that regeneration is the highest in more disturbed habitats especially those experiencing exploitation through tree cutting, establishment of footpaths and charcoal burning kilns. In our study site, exploitation of T. camphoratus was less clear, but our disturbed site contained well-trodden footpaths and there was evidence of extensive trampling and overgrazing by livestock.…”

Intense use of woody plants in a semiarid environment of Northern Ethiopia: Effects on species composition, richness and diversity

“…Tarchonanthus camphoratus is drought resistant and associated with earlysuccessional species, such as Acacia species, and dominates East Africa woodlands (e.g. Kiruki and Njung'e 2007). The disturbance tolerant species, A. etbaica and C. purpurea are fast growing species and a previous study has shown that fast growing species in some cases can assure ecosystem resilience (MacGillivray et al, 1995).…”

Thirty thousand years of vegetation development and climate change in Angola (Ocean Drilling Program Site 1078)

“…The latter taxa are associated with fire. Tarchonanthus camphoratus regenerates very well after disturbance by cutting or fire (Kiruki and Njung'e, 2007), Artemisia afra often colonizes burnt areas in mountains (Beentje, 1994), Protea grows in mountainous grasslands that are burnt, and Hymenocardia acida is also fire hardy (White, 1983). However, there is no increase in the amount of charcoal particles relative to the amount of pollen and spores.…”