Ecology of a miombo fruit tree: Uapaca kirkiana (Euphorbiaceae)

Records in herbaria and published information on the distribution of Uapaca kirkiana Muell. Arg. were assembled and summarized as a distribution map. Soil and vegetation maps of Africa, meteorological data and information on ecological accounts were used in the interpretation of the map. Uapaca kirkiana is reported from most countries within the Zambezian centre of endemism and adjacent transitional phytochoria. The species has been recorded growing in Angola, Burundi, Malawi, Mozambique, Tanzania, Zaire, Zambia and Zimbabwe.Within the natural range, occurrence is related to a unimodal rainfall regime with an annual range of 500–1400 mm occurring over a 4–5 month period followed by a long dry season lasting 5–7 months. The mean day time temperature range is 18–29°C in the hot season and 12–24°C in winter. Typically Uapaca kirkiana grows in well-drained escarpments at altitudes of 500–2000 m, with infertile sand or gravelly soils of acidic reaction. As a miombo species, it occurs in mixed communities of Brachystegia-Julbernardia woodland as dominant or co-dominant species, often gregarious, forming dense groves, commonly referred to as Uapaca woodlands. Throughout the range, listings of associated woody species frequently include Albizia, Anisophyllea, Brachystegia, Burkea, Isoberlinia, Uulbernardia, Monotes, Parinari, Protea, Pericopis, Pterocarpus, Ochna and other Uapaca spp.Attention is drawn to various relationships with mycorrhizae and animals (including man) and their significance in conservation and management options. Definitive studies aimed at generating relevant data to aid husbandry action are outlined. Suggestions for positive management prescriptions and domestication initiatives are made.

---

• View source

---

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.1016/0378-1127(95)03572-R

---

Altmetric score:

Dimensions Citation Count: