Int.J.Curr.Microbiol.App.Sci (2017) 6(8): 3723-3739

International Journal of Current Microbiology and Applied Sciences ISSN: 2319-7706 Volume 6 Number 8 (2017) pp. 3723-3739 Journal homepage: http://www.ijcmas.com

Original Research Article https://doi.org/10.20546/ijcmas.2017.608.450

Phytoecological Characterization of the Spontaneous Oleaginous of the Congolese Forest

Victor Kimpouni*, Ghislain Bileri Bakala and Josérald Chaîph Mamboueni

Ecole normale supérieure, université Marien Ngouabi, B.P. 237, Brazzaville, Congo *Corresponding author

ABSTRACT

The study of the potential of Congo's spontaneous flora in biofuel resources is based on the parameters of ecological structure. 11 species (22.9%) are present on

K e yw or ds the 48 main retained by PROTA 14. The spatial distribution of the species shows that only the Bétou UFA gathers all the species. The best represented in the Congo, Floristic different forest areas are Ongokea gore, Pentaclethra eetveldeana, Pentaclethra diversity, Biofuel, macrophylla and Pycnanthus angolensis. Except for the Conkouati-Douli National

Congolese forest, Park, the Lossi Sanctuary and the Aubeville Forest, where there are some NWFP, peculiarities, these species are characterized by low densities ranging from 0.001 Phytoecology. to 5 individuals.ha-1 and basal areas generally less than 1 m².ha-1. The diametric

Article Info structure is on the whole erratic type, marker of insufficient regeneration.

Phytoecological data reveal that this forest cannot support sustained industrial Accepted: 21 June 2017 exploitation in the production of second -generation biofuels. These species, which Available Online: constitute an energy source for the disseminating agents, are 73% nutritive and 10 August 2017 82% phytotherapeutic to humans. These multi-purpose species are at the same

time of interest to the wood and craft industries, while being non-timber forest

products of prime choice.

Introduction

Located in central , the Congo is flooded (20%). Those of the south-Congo covered by 60-65% rainforest and 35-40% developed on the mainland and were savannah (Vennetier, 1977; Hecketsweiler, distributed as follows: the Mayombe (3%) 1990). Forest cover accounts for about 12% and the Chaillu (11%). Congolese forests, of the Congo Basin forests; equivalent to particularly in southern Congo, have been about 10% of tropical forests (IUCN, 1996; exploited since the 1920s for: (i) dam Hecketsweiler, 1990; FAO, 2005). The construction, (ii) bridges, and (iii) locomotive Congolese forest is divided into three boiler feed until 1957, when Fuel oil replaces discontinuous blocks of unequal size, both in solid fuels (Cusset, 1989). Until 1972, logging size and floristic diversity (IUCN, 1996; was the first support of the Congolese Kimpouni et al., 2013a). The northern Congo economy before being supplanted by oil. block, by far the most luxuriant and Studies show that Congolese populations diversified, covers a dry facies (31%) and a derive substantial benefits by exploiting

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Int.J.Curr.Microbiol.App.Sci (2017) 6(8): 3723-3739 floristic diversity. The most profitable aspects but only 65 (26%) are suitable for this are ethnobotany linked to the traditional purpose. The tests of a second-generation pharmacopoeia, food, crafts and biofuel operation selected 48 (19%) species phytochemistry. The issue associated with with proven potential (Grace et al., 2009). In biofuels is new and almost unknown. the Congo, if the biofuel sector is not yet developed, Ouamba et al., (1985) report that The surge in oil prices and the problems of Congolese flora has a non-negligible wealth pollution caused by the use of fossil and non- of oil-bearing species capable of producing renewable energies, the exploitation of biofuels. However, there are no studies to biofuels is a global deal with multiple determine the behaviour of the biofuel benefits. Biofuels are defined as fuels resources species within the Congolese flora. produced from non-fossil organic materials The characterization of the phytoecological derived from biomass that complement or parameters of the said taxa is the basis of this substitute fossil fuels. Depending on the study. origin of the biomass used and the processing processes, biofuels are classified in three The objectives of this study focus on generations [(i) biofuels produced exclusively improving the knowledge of Congo flora by: from crops (first generation); (ii) biofuels (i) inventorying the second generation biofuel resulting from oilseeds (second generation) resources species of the Congolese flora; (ii) and (iii) biofuels of algal origin known as characterization of phytoecological data for algae fuels (third generation)] and two sectors each taxa; (iii) estimating the potential of the (alcohol and oil and derivatives). Congolese forest for a sustained and rational industrial exploitation of second-generation Currently, only the first generation of biofuels biofuels has reached the industrial stage. In comparison to fossil fuels, biofuels have the Materials and Methods advantage of being less polluting, renewable and inexhaustible if they are managed Presentation of the study site sustainably (Raven et al., 2010). However, their disadvantages include: (i) the allocation Stretching between latitudes 4 ° North and 5 ° of the best agricultural land, and (ii) the South and longitudes 11 ° and 19 ° East conversion of several hectares of forest for (Figure 1), the Congo straddles the equator settlement. The dreaded consequences are: (i) and covers 342000 km² (Vennetier, 1977; Sy occupation of arable land, (ii) food insecurity et al., 2008). Located in Central Africa, it is and famine, and (iii) population migration. bordered by the to Despite the negative aspects, the biofuel the north, to the northwest, sectors are developing more and more and the Atlantic Ocean to the west, the everywhere in the world. This is the case in Democratic Republic of Congo to the east and Europe, where consumption of biofuels south-east, Angolan enclave of Cabinda in the increased by more than 3% between 2010 and South (Vennetier, 1977). 2011. From 13.2 million tons of oil equivalent in 2010 to 13.6 million tons of oil equivalent The climate is a wet equatorial type with three in 2011, an increase of 3%. variants: (i) equatorial climate in the northern part, characterized by abundant rainfall In tropical Africa, more than 250 species of throughout the year, with peaks oscillating oilseeds are identified and used for their oil, from 1600 to 2000 mm / year; (ii) subtropical

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Int.J.Curr.Microbiol.App.Sci (2017) 6(8): 3723-3739 in the center, the characteristics of which are (589,862 hectares, or 2.63% of Congo's (i) a dry season of 1 to 3 months, (ii) forests) are developing in the Plateaux, the precipitation between 1600 and 1800 mm Pool and the Bouenza. The savannahs, mainly (Vennetier, 1977); (iii) low-Congolese in the south of the equator, are interspersed climate in the south-west, characterized by with forest groves and galleries. They are moderate rainfall and a very marked dry divided into three zones of unequal season (June to September) framed by two importance: the Plateau of the Cataracts, the rainy periods, the most abundant from Niari Valley and the large Batéké itself February to May. The precipitations vary heterogeneous (Diafouka, 1997). between 1200 and 1700 mm (M.E.F.E, 2012b). It is characterized by an average Congolesechorology annual temperature of about 25 ° C. The thermal amplitudes do not exceed 5 ° C The territory of the Republic of Congo is during the year. This climate is marked by (i) included in the regional center of Guineo- a dry and cool season from June to September Congolese endemism (White, 1986). Inspired and (ii) a warm and humid rainy season from by the subdivision of Descoings (1975), October to June with a very pronounced Kimpouni et al., (1992) integrated this slowdown in precipitation between January territory into the African chorological system and February (Vennetier, 1977). of White (1979, 1986). Eleven phytogeographical districts grouped into six Soils sectors; three domains and two regions are recognized. Congolese forests are mainly Congo soils are generally ferralitic, poor in located in the (i) Mayombe (Mayombian exchangeable bases and highly permeable due forests) phytogeographical districts; (ii) to the sandy substrate which facilitates the Chaillu (Chaillu forest); (iii) Upper Sangha migration of soil solutions (Vennetier, 1977; and Lower Sangha (Congo northern forest). Denis, 1970). According to Denis (1970), these soils are divided into four main classes: Materials hydromorphic soils, podzols, poorly developed soils and ferralitic soils. The base of the biofuel source species is the inventory of PROTA 14. Taxa whose samples Vegetation and flora are absent from the herbarium, their certification in the Congolese flora is based The forest formations have a floristic on data from the literature; this is the case of composition dominated by Fabaceae, Irvingia wombulu Vermoesen. This activity Malvaceae, Rubiaceae and Euphorbiaceae not only confirmed the existence of biofuel (White, 1986; Kimpouni, 1993). Dense and source species of the Congolese spontaneous clear forests on land develop in the Mayombe flora; But also to establish their geographical and Kouilou regions (150,3172 hectares, or distribution. 6.69% of Congolese forests), (ii) in Chaillu (4,386,633 hectares, or 19.52% of forest The material is based on specimens of cover), (iii) Upper Sangha (7,500,000 spontaneous oilseed collected in hectares, or 33% of Congo's total forests); Congolese forests and deposited in the The flooded forests of Lower Sangha national herbarium (IEC) located at the (85,000,000 hectares, or 38% of Congolese IRSEN; of our own floristic inventories forests); Forests, galleries and forest mosaics (Youbi, Lossi, Aubeville), the compilation of

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Int.J.Curr.Microbiol.App.Sci (2017) 6(8): 3723-3739 forest management inventory data from forest 2003b, 2004, 2006, 2007, 2008a, 2008b, concessions (BétouUFA, MissaUFA, Mokabi- 2010a, 2010b, 2011, 2012). DzangaUFA, LopolaUFA, IpendjaUFA, Loundoungou-ToukoulakaUFA, KaboUFA, Using data from accessible management PokolaUFA, NgombéUFA, Pikounda plans and accessible records NordUFE) and protected areas (Odzala National Park, Conkouati-Douli National The data result from the UFAs which have Park), the Makany (1976) phytosociological been the subject of a multi-resource inventory surveys in the plateaux Téké forest (Figure 1). for a management plan on the one hand, and on the other hand of all accessible plant The analysis of the labels of the 39 herbarium works. For example, in the forest zone (i) in samples representing 10 species reveals that: the northern Congo, the combined data come (i) 12 are harvested in the Mayombe forest; from the UFAs Betou (300,000 ha), Missa (ii) seven from the forests of the Mayama (225,500 ha), Mokabi-Dzanga (370,000 ha), area; (iii) 3 from the Moutampa forest; (iv) Lopola (199,900 ha), Ipendja, Loudoungou- two collected from the Gamboma forest islets; Toukoulaka (552,676 ha), Kabo (267,048 ha), (v) 15 samples collected from the Congolese Pokola (377,550 ha), Ngombé (13,500,289 forest, one specimen per locality: Zanaga ha), Pikounda North UFE (93,970 ha), forest, forest on the Kinkala road, 17 km from Odzala-Kokoua National Park Sanctuary of Brazzaville, Frigniagbe forest (French Lossi (35,000 ha); (ii) Cataracts, the floristic ), Bomassa forest, gallery of Banza- data of the Aubeville forest (1.5 ha); (iii) the Ngedi (Brazzaville), forest at Mabombo, Mayombe and the Congolese littoral, the data forest at N'douo ferry, forest block at Inoni are those of the GREFE on the cliff, forest at Divinié, forest gallery near Aucoumeaklaineana forest (4 ha), and in the Edou, forest on Mayéyé road, Ngo forest Conkouati-Douli National Park (504,950 block, Forest north of the IEC concession, ha)the survey is about 6 ha. Mandombé forest (Boko), gallery at Loufoulakari falls. Ecological parameters monitored

Methods The phytoecological parameters identified for each species are density, diametric structure, The study method is based on two basal area, relative frequency, relative complementary approaches: bibliographic density, relative abundance and mean overlap, compilation, on the one hand, and (i) the use type of diaspora and ecological group. of forest inventory data for management plans and (ii) accessible floristic surveys. The frequency of taxa is equal to the number of surveys where the taxon is present; Bibliographic compilation The relative frequency is equal to the number The bibliographic compilation allowed the of surveys where the taxon is present relative state of place of taxa source of biofuel, the to the total number of surveys; spontaneous flora Congolese. It is based on The relative density is equal to the density of the work of Makany (1976), Sita and the taxon by the total density of the taxa; Moutsambote (1988), Hecketsweiler and Mokoko-Ikonga (1991), Nzinga (1992), Van Index of diversity is equal to the number of Asbroeck et al., (1997), Kimpouni (2006), species of the family by the total of the Kimpouni et al., (2008), M.E.F.E (2003a, species of the survey; 3726

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The density expresses the number of Phytoecological data individuals of a species per unit area. It allows not only to assess the contribution of each Frequency and densities species in the forest sectors, but also to compare them whatever the size of the areas The frequency of the present taxa varies from inventoried (Puig, 2001); 17.65 to 94.12%; the relative frequency oscillates from 2.56 to 13.68%; the relative Basal area is the area of trunks projected on density is between 9.09 and 27.27%. The best the ground. It allows us to better appreciate represented species are Pentaclethra the spatial areas occupied by the trunks of a macrophylla, Pycnanthus angolensis and species in a given ecosystem, but also to Ongokea gore. The most prominent families estimate the production capacity of a species are Irvingiaceae (27.27%), Fabaceae and (White and Edwards, 2001; Mbou, 2009); Clusiaceae with 8.18% each.

The diametric structure makes it possible to Among all the taxa, Pentadesma butyracea assess the regeneration capacity of these and Irvingia wombulu would be the least species within the forest (Peters, 1997; Puig, present in the Congolese forest. These taxa 2001); combine the weakest phytoecological data (frequency, relative frequency and relative Relative abundance is the number of density). individuals of a species relative to the total number of individuals in a given ecosystem. It Relative abundance makes it possible to form an idea of the rank occupied by each species in relation to the The biofuel resources species are less others, in the different forests; abundant in the forest formations of the Congo (Table 2). The Lopola forest, taken as The average coverage is the projection on the an example, reveals a relative abundance ground of the air cover of an individual. It ranging from 0.84 to 2.82%. Total recovery in allows appreciating the surface of all the the UFA is 7.59%. Panda oleosa is the most aerial part of the individual, in order to have abundant species and one that supports the an idea of the productive capacity of the recovery of species resources in biofuel. latter. Density data for taxa Results and Discussion From one forest type to another, the density of Floristic diversity the different taxa is very variable without being high.For all forest formations, they From 48 main spontaneous oilseeds of the range from 5.5 to 0.17 trees.ha-1. tropical flora, 11 are present in forest formations in the Congo, 23% (Table 1 and Kouilou district Appendix 1). In the Youbi forest the densities vary from 1 They are distributed in 7 families of which to 1.7 tree.ha-1, for an average of 1.08 ± 0.35 Irvingiaceae is the most diversified with 3 tree.ha-1.Conkouati-Douli national park, the species. density of biofuel source species varies from 4 to 35 trees.ha-1, an average of 21 ± 4.09

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Int.J.Curr.Microbiol.App.Sci (2017) 6(8): 3723-3739 trees ha-1. This density is associated with oscillate from 0.01 to 0.55 tree.ha-1 for an Pentaclethra eetveldeana with an average of average of 0.44 ± 0.13 tree.ha-1; (iv) and at 16.6 ± 5.44 trees.ha-1. Lopola, densities range from 0.001 to 0.74 tree.ha-1 and an average of 0.31 ± 0.06 tree.ha- Niari District 1. As for the trees dbh ≥ 50 cm, (i) the density in the Betou forest is from 0.05 to 2.08 In the Aubeville forest, densities range from tree.ha-1 for an average of 0.7 ± 0.14 tree.ha-1 0.7 to 13.3 trees.ha-1, or 5.5 ± 1.95 trees.ha-1 ; (ii) they are between 0.02 and 1.49 tree.ha-1, on average. an average of 0.44 ± 0.12 tree.ha-1, in the Missa forest; (iii) in Mokabi-Dzanga, Upper Sangha District densities range from 0.01 to 1.62 tree.ha-1 and an average of 0.71 ± 0.22 tree.ha-1; (iv) and in Likouala forest the Lopola forest, they range from 0.001 to 1.53 tree.ha-1, or 0.45 ± 0.16 tree.ha-1 on Ipendja UFA, the densities of species biofuel average. resources vary according to forest types. (i) in the dense hardwood forest, the density varies Sangha forest from 0.01 to 0.37 trees.ha-1 and an average of 0.30 ± 0.11 trees.ha-1; (ii) in light forest, it In PokolaUFA, global densities range from oscillates from 0.01 to 0.39 trees.ha-1, that is 0.27 to 1.22 tree.ha-1 and the mean is 0.60 ± to say an average of 0.32 ± 0.08 tree.ha-1; (iii) 0.12 tree.ha-1. However, they are expressed in the flooded forest, the density is between according to the forest types and according to 0.001 and 0.71, with an average of 0.24 ± two classes of diameter of dbh, for the dense 0.07 tree.ha-1. and clear forests. The trees of 20 ≤ dbh <50 cm, (i) in dense forest the densities oscillate Loundoungou-ToukoulakaUFA, the stem from 0.05 to 1.07 tree.ha-1 for an average of density 10 ≤ dbh <70 cm, is as follows: (i) in 0.59 ± 0.15 tree.ha-1; (ii) in clear forests, they the southern mixed forest the densities vary range from 0.22 to 1.02 tree.ha-1 with an from 0.001 to 2.32 trees.ha-1, or 1.14 ± 0.35 average of 0.62 ± 0.11. As for dbh trees ≥ 50 trees.ha-1 on average; (ii) in the forest at cm, densities range from 0.27 to 1.51 tree.ha-1 Gilbertiodendron dewevrei (Limbali) they for an average of 0.59 ± 0.17 tree.ha-1, in range from 0.03 to 1.13 trees.ha-1 and 0.42 ± dense forest; in the clear forest, they oscillate 0.18 trees.ha-1 on average; (iii) they range from 0.21 to 1.21 tree.ha-1 and the mean is from 0.5 to 1.94 trees.ha-1, with an average of 0.58 ± 0.12 tree.ha-1; (iii) in the forest at 1.05 ± 0.20 trees.ha-1 in the northern mixed Gilbertiodendron dewevrei (Limbali) the forest. densities range from 0.28 to 1.42 tree.ha-1 for an average of 0.82 ± 0.13 tree.ha-1; (iv) in the The data for the Betou, Missa, Mokabi- Marantaceae forest, densities range from 0.04 Dzanga and Lopola UFAs are collected to 0.34 tree.ha-1, the mean is 0.20 ± 0.04 according to two classes of dbh. The class of tree.ha-1; (v) and in the flooded forest, they 20 ≤ dbh <50 cm: (i) in the Betou UFA the range from 0.29 to 1.97 tree.ha-1, or 0.97 ± densities are between 0.01 and 0.65 for an 0.21 tree.ha-1 on average. average of 0.25 ± 0.05 tree.ha-1; (ii) in the Missa UFA, they are between 0.01 and 0.48 In KaboUFA, densities range from 0.01 to tree.ha-1 and the mean is 0.17 ± 0.05 tree.ha-1; 0.76 trees.ha-1 and the mean is 0.39 ± 0.13 (iii) in the Mokabi-Dzanga forest, densities tree.ha-1.

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In the NgombéUFA: for the trees of 20 ≤ dbh the Lopola UFA forest varies from 0.001 to <50 cm, the densities are between 0.24 and 0.36 m².ha-1 whereas it is 1.33 m².ha-1 for all 1.37 tree.ha-1 and an average of 0.58 ± 0.14 taxa; (5) in the Ipendja UFA, the basal area tree.ha-1; For trees of dbh ≥ 50 cm, densities varies from 0.001 to 0.5 m².ha-1 for a total of range from 0.11 to 0.63 tree.ha-1, or 0.27 ± 0.86 m².ha-1 overall. (i) It ranges from 0.001 0.05 tree.ha-1 on average. to 0.22 m².ha-1 in the dense forest and is 0.65 m².ha-1 for all taxa; (ii) from 0.001 to 0.1 In the Pikounda north UFE, densities oscillate m².ha-1 for a total basal area of 0.54 m².ha-1 in from 0.1 to 1.54 tree.ha-1 for an average of the swamp forest; (iii) from 0.001 to 0.18 0.83 ± 0.27 tree.ha-1. m².ha-1 for a total basal area of 0.51 m².ha-1 in the light forest; (6) in Loundoungou- West Cuvette Forest Toukoulaka UFA, the basal area varies from 0.81 to 1.02 m².ha-1 for a total of 1.83 m².ha- In the Lossi forest, trees of 10 ≤ dbh <70 cm 1, in mixed mixed-land forest; It is between have densities between 0.4 and 6.8 trees.ha-1 0.06 and 0.21 m².ha-1 and the total basal area for an average of 2.18 ± 0.99 trees.ha-1; for is 0.27 m².ha-1 in the Limbali forest. The trees of dbh ≥ 70 cm, they oscillatefrom 0.4 to taxon carrying this basal area is Irvingia 0.8 tree.ha-1, or 1.4 ± 1.04 tree.ha-1 on grandifolia. average. In the Sangha forest, (i) the basal area is Basal area between 0.06 and 0.30 m².ha-1 against 1 m².ha-1 for all species of the Ngombé UFA; (ii) it is The projection of the trunk surface of the between 0.37 and 0.56 m².ha-1 and 0.93 m².ha-1 biofuel resource species shows that all have overall, in the Pikounda north UFE. The most low forest area occupancy. For all forest prominent species is Panda oleosa. formations, the basal area varies from 0.27 to1.83 m2.ha-1. Individually, the basal area of In the Lossi forest, the basal area varies from taxa does not reach 1 m².ha-1. 0.03 to 0.51 m².ha-1 and, on the whole, is 1 m².ha-1 for trees of 10 ≤ dbh <70 cm. They Within the different UFA forests and range from 0.03 to 0.56 m².ha-1, or 1.2 m².ha-1 elsewhere, the maximum basal area covered for all trees of dbh ≥ 70 cm. by biofuel resources is 1.83 m².ha-1, at best. In the Youbi forest, the basal area varies from In the Likouala forest area, the projected area 0.07 to 0.2 m².ha-1 per taxon and 0.4 m².ha-1 of trunks on the ground, of biofuel resources, for the whole. ranges from 1.04 to 1.78 m².ha-1. Pentaclethra macrophylla is the species that bears this In the Conkouati-Douli National Park, the basal area. basal area is between 0.54 and 5.17 m2.ha-1, an average of 3.57 ± 2.63 m2.ha-1. The basal area of the species, (1) in the Pentaclethra eetveldeana is the species that BetouUFA, ranges from 0.001 to 0.39 m².ha-1, occupies space better (3.06 ± 0.54 m2.ha-1). for a total of 1.78 m².ha-1; (2) in the MissaUFA, basal area varies from 0.001 to Diameter structure 0.30 m².ha-1 against a total of 1.04 m².ha-1; (3) it ranges from 0.001 to 0.31 m².ha-1 in the The diametric structure of the biofuel Mokabi-Dzanga UFA, compared with a total resources species in the Congolese forest basal area of 1.24 m².ha-1; (4) the basal area in illustrates poor recruitment within diameter 3729

Int.J.Curr.Microbiol.App.Sci (2017) 6(8): 3723-3739 classes (Figure 2). In the forests of Betou, nonexistent. With some exceptions, the Mokabi-Dzanga and Lopola, the diametric diametric structure denotes an erratic structure reveals a regenerative cohort, almost distribution.

Table.1 Distribution of taxa in different forest inventory areas Forest areas Taxa 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 Clusiaceae Allanblackia floribunda + + + - - + + - - + - - + + - + + Oliv. Pentadesma + + + + ------+ - - + - butyracea(Sab.)Sabine Euphorbiaceae Ricinodendron heudelotii + + + + + + + + + + - + + - + - - (Baill.) Pierre ex Heckel Fabaceae Pentaclethra eetveldeana + + - - - - - + + + + + + - + + - De Wild. & Th. Dur. Pentaclethra macrophylla + + + + + + + + + + + + + - + + + Benth. Irvingiaceae (Aubry- + + + + + + + - + + + - + + + - + Lecomte ex O’Rorke) Irvingia grandifolia (Engl.) + + + + + - + + + + - - - + - + - Engl. Irvingia + ------+ - - - - - + - - wombuluVermoesen Myristicaceae Pycnanthus angolensis + + + + + + + + + + + + + - + + + (Welw.) Exell. Olacaceae Ongokea gore (Hua) Pierre + + + + + + + + + + + - + + + + + Panda oleosa Pierre + + + + + + + + + + - - - + + - - Legend: Presence (+); Absence (-); Bétou UFA (1); Missa UFA (2); Mokabi-Dzanga UFA (3); Lopola UFA (4); Ipendja UFA (5); Loundoungou-Toukoulaka UFA (6); Kabo UFA (7); Pokola UFA (8); Ngombé UFA (9); Pikounda North UFE (10); Plateau Teke Forest (11); Aubeville Forest (12); Lossi forest (13); Youbi Forest (14); Odzala-Kokoua National Park (15); Conkouati-Douli National Park (16); Okoumé Forest of Mayombe (17).

Table.2 Relative abundance of biofuel resources species in PokolaUFA

Relative abundance (%) by types forest

Species

forest forest forest

Flooded

All UFA All

Clear forest

Dense forest

Marantaceae Limbali forest Panda oleosa 5,14 4,81 1,40 3,10 3,99 2,82 Pentaclethra eetveldeana 1,01 2,19 1,24 1,98 2,24 1,44 Pentaclethra macrophylla 1,22 1,46 0,16 1,55 1,25 0,84 Pycnanthus angolensis 2,10 2,1 0,47 1,68 1,72 1,18 Ricinodendron heudelotii 2,71 2,71 0,78 0,61 0,59 1,31 Total recovery 12,18 13,27 4,05 8,92 9,79 7,59

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Fig.1 Distribution of Congolese forest in UFA and location of forest inventories

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Fig.2 Diametric structure of the biofuel resources of the Congolese forest. Legend: Betou UFA (A), Missa UFA (B), Mokabi-Dzanga UFA (C), Lopola UFA (D), Ipendja UFA (E), Kabo) UFA, Pikounda north UFE (I)

A B

C D

E F

G H

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I

Appendix.1 Views of some specimens of spontaneous oilseeds of Congolese flora (Photo credits: Victor Kimpouni, except Irvingia gabonensis (Y. Issembe))

Allanblackia floribunda Allanblackia floribunda Ongokea gore

Pentaclethra eetveldeana Pentaclethra macrophylla Panda oleosa

Irvingia gabonensis Pycnanthus angolensis Pycnanthus angolensis (planche éclatées) (planche éclatées)

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Pentadesmabutyracea(flo wer)

Pentadesma butyracea Pentadesma butyracea Pentadesma butyracea (Flower)

Irvingia grandiflora

Analysis of plant diversity account of forest types, the extrapolation of data does not make it possible to detect zone The spatial distribution of biofuel resource with biofuel resources. This observation is species shows that they are, to varying supported by small-scale floristic surveys. degrees, in all forestry facies. At the present This is the case of the Lossi Sanctuary where stage of knowledge and floristic inventories, Pentaclethra macrophylla is 6.8 trees.ha-1, Missa and Bétou UFA shave the best potential Aubeville forest where Pentaclethra in terms of biofuel resources, respectively 91 eetveldeana and Pycnanthus angolensis have and 100% of the species. The absence of 5.3 and 13.3 trees.ha-1, respectively Conkouati some species in other forest areas could be reserve where some species have densities explained by insufficient inventory and / or that reach 19 or even 27 trees.ha-1. These harvesting, 39 samples of herbariums listed at values corroborate the data of Mitani et al., the IEC for 10 species of biofuel resources (1994) in the Lopé reserve in Gabon where (Manguila, 2009; Batangouna, 2010; the densities of these species biofuel Mambouéni-Mbika, 2012). resources range from 0.2 to 9 trees.ha-1. Taking into account their low The analysis of the plant data shows a pauci- representativeness in Congolese forests (0.16 specific and floristic Congolese forest in to 5.14%), these species of biofuel resources biofuel resources. 11 species out of 48, let be can not characterize these ecosystems. The (either) 23% of the main species retained in rain forests of Central Africa with densities PROTA 14. Notwithstanding the low level of ranging from 265 to 427 trees.ha-1 show a the specific diversity of biofuel resources predominance of Fabaceae, Rubiaceae, within this forest ecosystem, these taxa have Euphorbiaceae (Kimpouni et al., 2008, 2013, low densities. It is generally understood in all 2014; Puig, 2001). The basis for these low forest areas of 0.01 to 4 trees.ha-1 of biofuel densities is the non-gregarious behavior of resources. Since the inventory analysis scale these taxa within Congolese forests (Nzinga, is the area covered by the UFA, taking 1992).

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Ecological data mainly large mammals, such as the elephant, which ensure dissemination. Today, several The analysis of the diametric structure of the sources mention the threat of extinction of biofuel resources species reveals that none elephants in the Central African subregion. shows good regeneration and/or a satisfactory The corollaries of this threat weigh on the occupation of the environment. Indeed, no future of loxodontochore species, biofuel curve has the appearance of an "inverted L or resources of Congolese forests. J", synonymous with satisfactory natural regeneration (Peters, 1997; Puig, 2001; White Wood industry and endogenous knowledge and Edwards, 2001; Mbou, 2009). According to Peters (1997), "Such a structure represents Except for Pycnanthus angolensis and a population whose regeneration is limited Ricinodendron heudelotii, targeted by the for one reason or another with the difficulties timber industry, all species of biofuel of installing new seedlings”. Finally, the resources are of interest to the sawmill and erratic structure is explained by the fact that craft industry. Notwithstanding the timber the planting of new seedlings is sporadic or supply chain, all species have ethnobotanical irregular (Peters, 1997). Taking into account applications by local and indigenous the ecological groups of Moutsamboté (2012), populations (Bouquet, 1969; Adjanohoun et this bad regeneration could be explained by al., 1988; Hecketsweiler and Mokoko-Ikonga, the existence of heliophiles and scia- 1991; Profizi et al., 1993; Raponda-Walker heliophiles. They are therefore subjected to an and Sillans, 1961; Miabangana, 1998; Tamio energy competition that ensures the selection Matondo, 2003). Riparian populations derive of species most often at the juvenile stage substantial direct and indirect benefits by (Polunin, 1967; White, 1986; Adriens, 1993). exploiting various organs, both vegetative and regenerative. They are a source of In spite of the structural data that are not therapeutics, food, income generation, crafts, adequate for the emergence of a biofuel sector etc. (Profizi et al., 1993; Raponda-Walker and focusing on the spontaneous flora of the Sillans, 1961). Non-timber forest products Congolese forest, these taxa associate a low (NWFPs) in the sub-region include Irvingia production of fruits. Indeed, (i) the diameter gabonensis, Irvingia sp. and Ricinodendron of the trunk proportionally correlated with the heudelotii, even if the dietary use of the latter size of the crown, and (ii) the crown diameter is not known. The generative organs at the affects the amount of fruit produced center of this activity are highly sought after, (Bouchon et al., 1989; Bourden, 2013). This which translates into high anthropogenic relationship reveals that the higher basal area, pressure on these species. By way of no tree bears branches and ipso factothe fruit example: (i) the nutritional value of the (Bouchon et al., 1989; White and Edwards, of Ricinodendron heudelotii is: 200 g.kg-1 of 2001; Bourden, 2013). protein; 450 g.kg-1 of lipids; 250 g.kg-1 of carbohydrates and 600 mg.kg-1 of calcium; These biofuel resources are also an energy (ii) of Irvingia sp. have generated source for frugivorous animals. Besides 5,488 direct jobs in Cameroon and over Pentaclethra eetveldeana and 250,000 indirect jobs with an annual income Pentaclethramacrophylla with ballochores of US $ 16.34 million (Ndoye et al., 2011). diaspores, the other nine taxa are sarcochores. These NTFPs are traded locally, sub- However, the work of Van Der Pijl (1969) regionally and internationally, as evidenced and Alexander (1978) showed that the by the work of Tabuna (1999), Tchatat and Sarcochore is a food source for animals, Ndoye (2006) and Lescuyer (2010). 3735

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All these activities, which are based on the Many of them are first-rate NTFPs in meeting collection of generative organs, severely food, phytotherapeutic and income needs for impact the renewal of these taxa within local and indigenous populations. These ecosystems. In connection with the oilseed reasons alone explain the high degree of chain, strong anthropogenic pressure was anthropogenic impact on these species. exerted on Ongokea gore during the colonial Analysis of the data reveals that industrial period (Raponda-Walker and Sillans, 1961). exploitation, as a primary source of production of second-generation biofuels, Resources and industrial exploitation of would surely put these plants in danger of second generation biofuels extinction within the Congolese forest.

Is the Congolese forest likely to support an Acknowledgments industry focused on the sustainable and rational management of second generation We would like to thank Mr. Jean Albert biofuel species? To answer this question, the NGOMA, Head of the Forest Inventory and phytoecological and ethnobotanical data of Management Department, Ministry of the the biofuel resources species contribute to Forest Economy for Sustainable Development maintain that the Congolese forest does not and Environment, for his frank collaboration. lend itself to this exploitation. In fact, we have recorded a small number of biofuel References species within this flora, and these in most cases combine weak phytoecological Adjanohoun, E.J., A.M.R. Ahyi, L. Ake Assi, J. parameters (density, basal area, crown Baniakina, P. Chibon, G. Cusset, V. diameter, regeneration capacity and fruit Doulou, A. Enzanza, J. Eyme, E. productions). Thus, the maintenance of Goudote, E. Keita, C. Mbemba, J. Mollet, biofuel resources species in Congolese forests J.-M. Moutsambote, J. Mpati and Sita, P. is acute. However, the seeds of these taxa are 1988. Contribution aux études the basis for the possible production of ethnobotaniques et floristiques en second-generation biofuels. An industrial République Populaire du Congo: exploitation, while being the propagation Médecine traditionnelle et pharmacopée. organs, would inevitably lead to the ACCT, Paris, P. 605 disappearance of the said taxa unless Adriens, A. 1993. Influence de quelques facteurs du milieu sur la dynamique de cultivated (Peters, 1997). Salix aurita dans la réserve naturelle des Hautes-Fagnes (Belgique). Belg. Journ. In conclusion, Congolese forests are scarcely Bot. 126 (1): 71-80. provided with biofuel resources as shown by Alexandre, D.Y. 1978. Le rôle disséminateur phytoecological parameters, but this study des éléphants en forêt de TaÏ, Côte shows the existence of pockets where the d’Ivoire. Orstom, Abidjan, P. 72. gregariousness of these taxa would be proved. Batangouna, A.P. 2010. Etat de connaissance Notwithstanding the induced effects of the des Annonaceae de la République du agents of dissemination, anthropogenic action Congo. Mémoire du CAPES,Université is that which more seriously impacts natural Marien Ngouabi, Brazzaville, Congo. regeneration. This is all the more likely given Bouchon, J., J.F.Dhôte and Lanier L. 1989. the fact that, despite their low spatial Réaction individuelle des hêtres (Fagus representativeness, the multi-purpose salvatica L.) d’âges divers à diverses character makes them highly sought after. intensités d’éclaircie. Ann. Sci. For. 46 (3): 251-259. 3736

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How to cite this article:

Victor Kimpouni, Ghislain Bileri Bakala and Josérald Chaîph Mamboueni. 2017. Phytoecological Characterization of the Spontaneous Oleaginous of the Congolese Forest. Int.J.Curr.Microbiol.App.Sci. 6(8): 3723-3739. doi: https://doi.org/10.20546/ijcmas.2017.608.450

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