Variability of morphological characteristics of Sclerocarya birrea

Abstract

The importance of Sclerocarya birrea (A. Rich) Hoscht populations has prompted studies on domesticating the species in order to make better use of its potential. According to some studies, this multi-purpose species in Africa has a high morphological variability that may be of interest in a varietal improvement program. The aim of our work is to characterize the morphological variability of S. birrea in the Ferlo zone. The study was carried out on woody stands of the species composing a sample of 75 individuals spread over three sites. For each individual, 14 quantitative characteristics of the fruit and four dendrometric measurements of the trees were assessed. There were significant variability in the traits studied within the population. Relationships were observed between fruit and nut characteristics. Signicant correlations were obtained between fruit mass and each of pulp mass and kernel mass. Principal Component Analysis showed that morphological diversity is structured, with trees divided into three distinct groups based on the following discriminating characteristics; fruit diameter, nut mass and height of the tree's first branch. The observed morphological variability of the species shows that there is potential for selections with a view to improving and domesticating this species.