Pericopsis elata, known commercially as afrormosia or assamela, is one of the most prized timber species of the Congo Basin, valued for its durability and aesthetic qualities. Listed as Endangered on the IUCN Red List and regulated under CITES Appendix II, its sustainable management in plantation settings is of critical importance. This study investigates the effects of thinning — a common silvicultural practice — on the growth and development of Pericopsis elata in forest plantations of East and South Cameroon.
By comparing thinned and unthinned plantation plots, the research evaluates the impact of stand density reduction on tree growth rates, crown development, and overall plantation productivity. The results provide quantitative data to guide silvicultural decision-making and optimize management regimes for this commercially and ecologically valuable species in managed plantation environments.
As Cameroon works to develop a sustainable domestic supply of high-value timber through plantation forestry, evidence-based thinning prescriptions are essential tools for forest managers. BCL supports the development of sustainable forestry practices that reduce pressure on natural forests while ensuring the economic viability of plantation investments across the Congo Basin region.
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