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Johansson, Maria, 1999. The baobab tree in Kondoa Irangi Hills, Tanzania. SLU, Ledningskansliet, internationella enheten, Uppsala. Uppsala: SLU, Ledningskansliet, internationella enheten

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Abstract

A short study was made on the regeneration and distribution of the Baobab tree, Adansonia digitata, in Kondoa Irangi Hills, Tanzania. About 300 individuals were mapped and measured in areas with different vegetation and land management, to try to find out what environmental factors influence population structure, the growth, regeneration and survival. Core samples were taken to calculate growth rates for different size classes, and to see if they correlate to rainfall data. Seed germination tests were carried out to simulate what the seeds may be exposed to naturally, e.g. fire, animal digestion or the common practice of making an alcoholic brew from the Baobab seed. Baobab population densities and regeneration were significantly higher in areas dominated by cultivated fields than in other areas. This was suggested to be due to protection against fire and grazing animals. Young Baobab individuals, ca. 20-70 years old, had a significantly higher growth rate (annual radial increase) than older individuals. This means that a population may hold fewer individuals in small size classes, and still be constant over time. An estimation of the age distribution, however, suggests a period of very low regeneration rates some 60-110 years ago, and that more recent regeneration is not sufficient to keep the population from declining. The germination tests showed that the seeds do not need any special treatment to break seed dormancy, soaking for three days in cold water is enough.

Main title:The baobab tree in Kondoa Irangi Hills, Tanzania
Authors:Johansson, Maria
Supervisor:Skoglund, Jerry
Examiner:UNSPECIFIED
Series:Minor field studies / Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, International Office
Volume/Sequential designation:74
Year of Publication:1999
Level and depth descriptor:Other
Student's programme affiliation:1010A Agriculture Programme (admitted before July 1, 2007) 270 HEC
Supervising department:(NL, NJ) > Ledningskansliet, internationella enheten
Keywords:adansonia digitata, regeneration, size distribution, spatial distribution
URN:NBN:urn:nbn:se:slu:epsilon-s-8038
Permanent URL:
http://urn.kb.se/resolve?urn=urn:nbn:se:slu:epsilon-s-8038
Subject. Use of subject categories until 2023-04-30.:Plant ecology
Language:English
Deposited On:19 Oct 2017 11:40
Metadata Last Modified:19 Oct 2017 11:40

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