Morphological Characterization of the Blood Plum (Haematostaphis barteri Hook. F. (Anacardiaceae)) in the Republic of Benin

: Understanding species morphological variation across geographical ranges can serve as a first step for germplasm collection and the conservation of genetic resources. The morphological variability of Haematostaphis barteri Hook. F. (Anacardiaceae) in Benin (West Africa) was studied, using 11 traits related to panicles, fruits, leaves and leaflets. A total of 1,485 panicles, 1,485 fruits, 990 leaves and 4,950 leaflets were sampled. It was found that the sample provenance and site topography have a significant influence on the morphological traits. The discriminating morphological traits were the length of the panicles, the number of fruits per panicle, the length and width of fruits, the mass of the fresh fruit pulp mass, the length of leaves and petioles, the number of leaflets per leaf, length and width of leaflets. On the basis of these traits, four different morphotypes of H. barteri were identified, with however a small intra and inter group variability. The morphotype from sites established on the tops and the high slopes of hill produced larger and heavier fruits with higher pulp mass. This morphotype could be of interest for future varietal selection programs for the species in Benin.