Production and morphological traits of Lophira lanceolata fruits in natural stands

ABSTRACT Lophira lanceolata is an important indigenous oil tree species with high socio-economic potential in Africa. This study aimed to assess the fruit production of the species, the impact of infestation on production, and the variability of fruit morphological traits. Thirty mature trees were sampled from each of the two sites in western Burkina Faso. For each tree, all the fruits were collected, counted, dried, and weighed. One hundred fruits were randomly sampled per tree to estimate the infestation rate. 300 fruits collected on 30 trees were sampled to measure their morphological traits. Analysis of variance and regression analyses were performed to test for relationships between fruit production and stem diameter of trees. Results showed that the mean annual fruit production per tree varied significantly among diameter classes, from 0.47 to 8.01 kg dry mass. The infestation rate varied between 3% and 18% of the total fruit production. The prediction model showed a great predictive ability for fruit production (pR2 = 62%) with stem diameter and crown area of trees as explanatory variables. Three shape-groups of fruits were distinguished: spindle-shape (30%), orbicular-shape (19%), and elliptic-shape (51%). Lophira lanceolata has a high fruit production potential with spindle-shaped fruits as the most interesting for exploitation.