Potential and measures for sustaining Prunus africana (Hook.F.) Kalkman (Rosaceae) in Tchabal Mbabo forest (Mf), Adamaoua Cameroon

Prunus africana (Hook. F.) Kalkman is a medicinal plant for which the bark is used to treat benign prostate hypertrophy. P. africana is listed in Appendix 2 of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). Its exploitation has been regulated in Cameroon through the settlement of some management standards. This paper aims to assess the potential of P. africana in the Tchabal Mbabo forest (MF), vast of 25,671 ha in view to formulate guidelines for sustainable harvesting. Data collection took place from October 1st to 28th 2021. This consisted of conducting forest management inventories at a sampling rate of 0.72%. Three hundred and fifty-eight (358) stems of P. africana were counted on a surface area of 57.5 ha, which gives a density of 6.23 stems/ha. The average values of diameter, height and bark thickness of the stems (unharvested and harvested sides) are respectively 48.17 ± 19.8 cm; 7 ± 4.26 m; 14.1 ± 4.72 mm and 10.39 ± 4.22 mm. The average annual bark increment is 1.3 mm/year for a bark regeneration rate of 60%. A half rotation of 7 years was obtained for a dry bark quota of 164.6 tons/year. It would be wise to take into account the dynamic elements to review the calculation of the quota for the second rotation.