The structure of Leguminosae-Detarioideae dominant rain forest in Korup National Park, Cameroon

Background and aims – We studied a cluster of trees in the Leguminosae subfamily Detarioideae, to: (1) determine size, structure, tree species composition this cluster; (2) map shape, structure groups individual Detarioideae cluster.Location Lowland rain forest southern Korup National Park, Southwest Region Cameroon.Material methods Trees permanent plots were recorded using standard plot enumeration techniques. Outside plots, single-species by rapid technique. From data, detailed maps prepared.Key results occur co-dominant at least 32 km2 with an irregular shape. The contained 42 species; 29 these occurred ranging size from 50 to 4000 m across, depending on species. Groups usually had circular shapes, caused ballistic seed dispersal. In group, always mixed several other Every area within specific set percentage ? 60 cm stem diameter ha was up 76% Detarioideae-rich forest, 6% Detarioideae-poor forest. Of all centre cluster, 2.8% belonged pioneer species, which indicates that disturbance levels low during past generations trees.Discussion forests have not been subject substantial human natural impacts historic or prehistoric times. Such are exceptional Africa. clusters may indicate glacial age refuges, especially contain both many different some endemic cluster.