Structural diversity and regeneration of the endangered Prunus africana (Rosaceae) in Zimbabwe

Prunus africana is endemic to Africa and was included in Appendix II of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) in 1995. In Zimbabwe, the species was reported to be rare and confined to the Eastern Highlands. The objective of this study was to assess size–class distribution and regeneration levels and to characterize structural diversity of P. africana. Given the clustered nature of the species, adaptive cluster sampling was used based on the assumption that there were more P. africana trees in the neighbourhood of reference trees. Each cluster was terminated when there were no more P. africana trees within a distance of 500 m. Data on diameter and height were collected in each cluster using standard forestry procedures. Regeneration was determined by counting seedlings and saplings within a radial distance of 14 m from the mother tree. Structural indices, that ie, diameter and height differentiation and mingling were determined for a structural group of four trees. Findings from this study indicated poor regeneration, fewer P. africana trees in small and large size classes, dominance of positive height and diameter differentiation and high mingling. These findings have implications on management and conservation of P. africana in Zimbabwe.