Growth and phytosociology of a forest with Colophospermum mopane in Mabalane, Gaza Province, Mozambique

Abstract

This study aimed to characterize the composition and structure of mopane forest ecosystems, estimating growth rates and  determining the diameter distribution. It was used data from permanent plots established in 2002 in Mabalane region, Gaza Province. It was analyzed the species composition . It was also determined the horizontal structure of the forest (abundance, dominance, frequency and importance value index) and the annual periodic increment in diameter. The results showed that 15 tree species belonging to eleven botanical families occur in this region. The forest is dominated by Colophospermum mopane (Benth.) J. Léonard (mopane), with an abundance of 258.80 trees per hectare, which represents 85.8% of all individuals. The periodic annual increment in diameter observed in the period from 2003 to 2010 was 1.19 mm year^-1, withdiameter distribution as inverted J-curve. Mopane forest shows slow growth and low species diversity, so it is important to apply silvicultural interventions and to establish a management plan taking into consideration the species growth rate and horizontal and vertical structure of the forest.