International Journal of Research in Pharmacy and Biosciences Volume 3, Issue 6, 2016, PP 9-20 ISSN 2394-5885 (Print) & ISSN 2394-5893 (Online)

Valorisation of Non-Timber Product (NTFP): Case of Floribunda Oliver

Tchinmegni F. I.1*, Tsobeng A. C.2, Ngonkeu M. E. L.1,3,4, Tchoundjeu Z.1,2 1Higher Institute of Environmental Science (HIES), 2World Agroforestry Centre, Cameroon 3Université de Yaoundé I, Cameroon 4Institute of Agricultural Research for Development, Cameroon

ABSTRACT Non-timber forest products (NTFPs) are of significant nutritional, economic and cultural importance for the people of central . However, many products have not yet been the subject of scientific studies; such is the case of . Although very little is known about this , it has many uses and its are regularly eaten and marketed by various communities. Cultivation of this species remains however very limited, mainly because of the low germination potential of its . Its , renowned for its termite resistance, is used locally for construction. Mechanical tests conducted on the timber have put its technological aptitudes to the fore; it has indeed the potential to become one of the most sought-after commercial species. As in the future, Allanblackia floribunda could be managed for its wood as well as its non timber products, in-depth studies aiming at the sustainable development of this natural resource need to be implemented. Keywords: Allanblackia floribunda, Non-timber forest products, Uses

INTRODUCTION In Africa, non-timber forest products (NTFPs) have, for centuries, played a food and commercial role. They still contribute today to the poverty reduction and food security of forest dwellers and suburban forest of Central Africa. Indeed, many extracts of natural environments usefully complement agricultural production. As Bahuchet (2000) highlights, rural African communities have excellent traditional knowledge about the value and properties of many plant species still underutilized. These are wild or cultivated whose potential value has been little exploited commercially, but which are a food and economic survival of support for local populations (Gandari, 2008). These underutilized resources include traditional African vegetables (eg Cleome gynandra L., Solanum tarderemotum Bitter, etc.), medicinal plants (Tabernanthe iboga Baill., Artemisia Afra Jacq., Etc.), oilseeds [Schinziophyton rautanenii (Schinz) Radcl.-Sm., edulis., etc.]. The lack of scientific and technical information (distribution, ecology, uses, domestication, improvement of production, harvesting, processing and trade opportunities) on these neglected resources is probably the biggest constraint to their valuation (Zohoun et al., 2002). However, in recent years, some species such Gnetum africanum Viz., Adansonia digitata L., Moringa oleifera Lam., Vitellaria paradoxa Gaertn., toxisperma Pierre experiencing renewed interest. Today, we better realize their contribution to the household economy and food security, national economies and certain environmental objectives such as the conservation of biodiversity (FAO, 2010). This literature review aims to assess the state of knowledge on these little-known species: wild cocoa from Africa (Allanblackia floribunda Oliv). The first part will be on the concept of non-timber forest product and its importance for the people of Central Africa. The biology of wild cocoa from Africa will then be processed, emphasizing on its botanical and ecological characteristics. The Allanblackia floribunda propagation attempts will be addressed and ethnobotanical aspects of the case will be reviewed, in particular exposing the many uses of this species. Finally, some research perspectives will be identified with a view to better utilization of the species. THE CONCEPT OF NON-TIMBER FOREST PRODUCT (NTFP) "The NTFP means any biological resource, and any merchant service, except all forms of softwood lumber from the forest or other ecosystems with similar functions" (Chandrasekharan, 1995). For International Journal of Research in Pharmacy and Biosciences V3● I6● 2016 9 Tchinmegni F. I “Valorisation of Non-Timber Forest Product (NTFP): Case of Allanblackia Floribunda Oliver” Turgeon (2003), NTFPs include all forest products other than timber traditionally used in the processing industry for timber or pulp. This definition imply that various species of timber also provide NTFP. Simpler terminologies have also been proposed by other authors whose Drainville (1996) suggests that "non-traditional forest resources" or Andel (2006) which advance the terms "non- timber product" or "agroforestry products." However, FAO's definition (1999) is perhaps the most complete, "NTFP are products of biological origin other than wood derived from , other wooded land and trees outside forests. NTFPs can be harvested from the wild or produced in forest plantations and agroforestry schemes, or trees outside forests. Their uses are varied: food and food additives (edible nuts, sap, mushrooms, fruits, herbs, and condiments, aromatic plants, game meat), fibers (used in construction, furniture, clothing or utensils), , gums, and plant and animal products used for medicinal, cosmetic or cultural. “For their part, Wong et al. (2001) summarize the situation as follows: a key element in the definition of NTFP is that they exclude timber and firewood, and the product, benefit or service, must come from a forest, or tree on non-forest land. At the heart of the concept, there is the idea that the product is of interest for use in human society. As such, any part of any plant or animal, harvested for use, can be described as NTFPs. As part of this review, we'll stick to vegetable NTFP, mushrooms excluded. Historically, man uses and consumes non-timber forest products. Formerly designated as "wild foods" or "juvenile products", NTFP represented all plant resources that were not essential to the European economy, except some NTFPs for industry (acacia, rubber, , ivory). Currently, their socio- economic importance is universally recognized, particularly in the countries covered by forests. According to the World Health Organization, the "wild" plants involved in meeting the health needs and alimentation, and supply 80% of people living in developing countries (Andel, 2006). Globally, FAO (2004a) states that 1.6 billion people depend on forest resources for living and 1.2 billion of them living in developing countries, use or exploit trees for alimentation or marketing. Regionally, the same organization estimates that 1.5 million Brazilian Amazon derive part of their income from NTFPs. In Central Africa, 86 million people live in or near tropical and rely on natural resources forests for a significant part of their diet (Eba'a Atyi et al., 2008). Other figures illustrate the local significance that sometimes has NTFPs : in India, we estimate at 50 million the number of people living mainly in NTFP (Poffenberger, 1996). Zohoun et al. (2002) report that the marketing of the four main NTFPs in the forest area of Benin (Vitellaria paradoxa, Baill., Cola acuminita Schott & Endl. And Ricinus communis L.) generated an income of at least 2 billion Francs CFA for just half of 1998. They also estimate that more than 3,200 merchants are engaged in the distribution of NTFPs. In the forest region of southern , Townson (1995) estimated that 258,000 people, or 20% of the economically active population, earn a portion of their revenue from NTFPs. Other African NTFPs are subject to an international marketing importance, as is the case of Prunus africana Hook.f. only known cure prostate cancer (Wong et al., 2001), shea (Vitellaria paradoxa), the "green gold for women in the Sahel" (Andel, 2006), or of Jatropha curcas L., future biofuels (FAO, 2008). IMPORTANCE OF NON-TIMBER FOREST PRODUCTS (NTFPS) IN CENTRAL AFRICA The importance of food, cultural and commercial NTFP for the peoples of Central Africa has been well documented over the past two decades. Mention will be made, by way of example, the work of Hladik et al. (1996), Vivien et al. (1996), Tchatat (1999), Meregini (2005), Mbolo (2006), Tabuna (2007). NWFP, in the eyes of local people, the most obvious manifestation of the value of the forest. They are useful in their effect from two points of view: they are a source of income and are suppliers of many products used in food, pharmacopoeia, construction, craft. According Noubissie et al. (2008), the relationship between the peoples of Central African Forests (Pygmy and Bantu) and forest ecosystems is of the order of mystic and an integral part of their cultures. The contribution of NTFPs to national economies of Central African countries is not negligible either. Tabuna (1999) estimates that in 1997 the market of Central African NTFP towards some Western countries (UK, France, Portugal, Belgium and Spain) accounted for 3 475 tonnes per year and an annual turnover equivalent to $ 96 million. According to this author, the annual export of Gnetum sp. to France and Belgium exceeded 100 tons for a market value of more than $ 3.07 million. In 1998, export Prunus africana bark to Europe and North America reported 700 000 USD in Cameroon and 200 million USD to the pharmaceutical North (Ainge et al., 2001). If international opportunities exist for some NTFPs (acacia, rubber, ivory, etc.) since the colonial period, local markets are much older 10 International Journal of Research in Pharmacy and Biosciences V3● I6● 2016 Tchinmegni F. I “Valorisation of Non-Timber Forest Product (NTFP): Case of Allanblackia Floribunda Oliver” and diversified (Tabuna 1999; Tchatat 1999). NTFP thus form part of the gradient of economic systems ranging from selfconsuming to international trade through the supply of local and regional markets. But Lescure (1996) shows that local communities use to varying degrees, nearly a thousand plant species and only some of them are marketed. Presently, over 150 NTFPs of animal or vegetable origin would in trade in different markets of Central Africa (FAO, 2002). However, Tabuna (2007) has identified only six species of vegetable origin that are the subject of a broad marketing in Central Africa: the kola (Cola nitida Schott & Endl and Cola acuminata.), Irvingia gabonensis, the of the vine Gnetum africanum, the sap of palm Jacq., Ricinodendron heudelotii Baill. and edulis H.J.Lam. Mbolo (2006) notes, however, that the exploitation and marketing of NTFPs as they unfold in Central Africa remain for some as a strategy to increase their income and not a guarantee of sustainable NTFP management and promotion of agroforestry practices. NTFPs are subject to ever increasing pressure. In Cameroon, Nlend (2007) notes that the monetization pushes pickers of Gnetum africanum to adopt a "frantic behavior" collection. Kimpouni (2001) mentions that the oil palm, for his role as producer of palm wine, is strongly scarce locally. The extraction method of the sap, which involves cutting or uprooting before the stem, causing serious damage to oil palm populations (Elaeis guineensis), unlike the method of making an incision of a terminal bud or axillary standing tree, and can keep the tree alive. This operation to "ax" applies to other species such as spp. whose roots, bark and fruits are systematically collected to be used in the fermentation of palm wine (Vermeulen et al., 2001). If the collectors are usually good observers of nature and potentially good managers of resources, they are primarily poor farmers, to spot any income, living in the short term (Lescure, 1996). And this state of poverty and the need for survival systematically favor the predatory exploitation of resources. On the other hand, Evans (1996) reports that the quantity of NTFPs marketed rapidly grows in the informal economy sector and difficult to grasp. Yet several authors (Wong et al., 2001; Zohoun et al., 2002; Mbolo, 2006. Tchatat et al, 2006) see NTFPs as an opportunity to upgrade the economy of small rural communities. Better organization and structuring of NTFP market chains could be beneficial not only for traders but also for harvesters. According Eisbrenner (2003), the challenge for the development of NTFPs is to achieve economic viability (quantity and quality) and ecological sustainability. For this, we must avoid the "gold rush" and carefully consider what might economically induce operators to manage resources sustainably NWFP (land and institutional factors, access to credit, etc.). It must also ensure that business requirements are met (in terms of quantity, quality, time, etc.). In this regard, intensified management of NWFP-producing species and promote their domestication could be promising options for increasing household income, while protecting the forest resources intensively exploited (FAO, 2010). Until very recently, research has focused its investigations on some non-timber forest products from Central Africa considered to be of "great importance", commercial and customary perspective: Baillonella toxisperma, Gnetum africanum, Laccosperma macrocarpa Mann. & Wendl., , Garcinia lucida Vesque, Heckel, Ricinodendron heudelotii Baill., Prunus africana, Pausinystalia johimbe Schum., Irvingia gabonensis, Cola nitida, Cola acuminata, Tabernanthe iboga Megaphrynium sp. Schum. (Tchatat, 1999; FAO, 2002). The research also looked at the of work may provide NTFP, as in the case of the Sapeli (Entandrophragma cylindricum Sprague), the tali (Erythropleum suaveolens Guill. & Perr.), The ayous (Triplochiton scleroxylon Schum.) (FAO, 2004b). According Gandari (2008), alongside these qualified products "high value", there is however a significant number of wild plant species whose commercial potential has not been sufficiently explored and yet have an economic and food appeal for local people. Such is the case Allanblackia floribunda Oliver whose highly appreciated by local people remind seeds, for their taste, the fruit of the common ( L.) or (Castanea vulgaris Mill.) Of European forests (Adriaens 1951; Busson, 1965) CURRENT KNOWLEDGE ON ALLANBLACKIA FLORIBUNDA The Discovery of Potential Oil Crops in Africa Since the 19th century, European botanists have been intensively exploring the tropics for plants of which oil and fat could be extracted. In this way many plant species have been scientifically described for the first time (Baillon 1862, Pierre 1890, Chevalier 1909). In the mean time, oil palm (Elaies guineensis) has become the major vegetable oil producing crop in the tropics. International Journal of Research in Pharmacy and Biosciences V3● I6● 2016 11 Tchinmegni F. I “Valorisation of Non-Timber Forest Product (NTFP): Case of Allanblackia Floribunda Oliver” At that time Prof. Daniel Oliver, Keeper of the Kew Herbarium, London, published in 1869 the Allanblackia Oliv. ex Benth. in the Guttiferae family. In recent literature this family has been renamed to - Family, after Lindley (1836). By curiosity I found that in the same volume of the Journal of the Linnean Society, Vol. X. (1869), page 43, Charles Darwin published several articles about plant hybrids. The same discovery was also published in Benth. & Hook. f (1867). Genera Plantarum 1: 980; and the first species in the genus, Allanblackia floribunda Oliv., in Flora of Tropical Africa 1: 163. 1868. The plant was collected by G. Mann, nr. 2193 in January near River in the Bight of Biafra (now called 'rivière Wouri' passing through Douala) in former British Cameroon, now Cameroon. Engler (1895) published a second species in another genus, Stearodendron stuhlmannii. Engler (1897) has put the genus into synonymy with Allanblackia, so this species became Allanblackia stuhlmannii (Engl.) Engl. from east Tanzania. Until now, nine species are known and a tenth one is imperfectly known , following the revision of Bamps (1969). Phytogeography Allanblackia Floribunda In Cameroon the whole of South is suitable for the cultivation of A. floribunda. In this part of the country, the species grows presenting phenological variations associated with local parameters of the climate and (Atangana et al., 2006). Even more, the research on the distribution of A. floribunda is due to (Vivien and Faure 1996). According to these authors, the species grows well in temperature ranges between 23 and 25ºC and under rainfall amounts ranging from 1200 to 2400 mm. The soil standpoint, A. floribunda prefers deep lateritic . The species is present in two agro-ecological zones in case the humid forest zone has bimodal rainfall and humid forest zone has unimodal rainfall. Put out climatic factors, factors such as dietary habits, proximity to major consumption centers, explain the high densities of planting A. floribunda in certain environments or climatic factors are unfavorable, however. This is the case of the Douala-Limbe and Douala-Muyuka near Douala (Azebaze et al., 2003). The East region as a whole has favorable climatic conditions for the species. But here, eating habits and lack of major consumption centers explain the low cultural development of A. floribunda in this region. Phenology and Reproductive Biology Allanblackia Floribunda Allanblackia floribunda is a deciduous plant. This species can lose about 20% of its leaves emerge during the year and especially during the dry season (in the extreme conditions of water deficit). regrowth occurs at the beginning of the rainy season. The leaves are opposite, simple, entire (long 8- 25cm) and consist of 10-18 pairs of leaflets varying sizes (12-32 x 3-11 mm) and rarely obovate oval to generally narrow with apex acuminata while they are rounded at the base (Bamps et al., 1978). The are usually large (9 cm diameter) and white color, pink, or red, long stalked, fragrant. At the stage of opening, it has about 4 sepals and five petals. The fruits are ellipsoid berries, large up to 40 cm x 15 cm plus or minus 5 longitudinal dimensions, light brown dotted with brown, pending at the end of a stalk, leaving exude abundant yellow latex (http: //www.prota4u.org/search.asp, May 12, 2016). At maturity, the flesh is sour brown or reddish-brown color; the skin becomes brittle and easy to crack, naturally dehydrates and then individualize the included sticky paste that forms the flesh. A fruit usually has 40 to 100 seeds (Figure 1) which are hard, red-brown color, size from 2.25 to 5 cm embedded in a mucilaginous pulp pinkish (Vivien and Faure 1998).

Figure1. Allanblackia floribunda and pattern of its reproductive organs (Van Rompaey, 2003) (A = Flowers, B = Section fruit showing seeds, Fruit C = D = Rameau in bloom) 12 International Journal of Research in Pharmacy and Biosciences V3● I6● 2016 Tchinmegni F. I “Valorisation of Non-Timber Forest Product (NTFP): Case of Allanblackia Floribunda Oliver” Very little knowledge exists on how pollination and fruiting of A. floribunda. What is known is that the species is protogynique (protérogynie: type of hermaphroditism characterized by the maturity of the female cells before that of male cells) entomophile and cross-pollination. Use and Economic Importance We note several uses of the species as a food, in pharmacopoeia and timber service. The fruit used in the preparation of several meals. Thus, seeds of A. floribunda have been certified by the European Union for the safe use of food (Hermann, 2009). The seeds can also be used in cosmetics (soap and detergents) (Foma and Abdala, 1985). Consequently, its application will soon increase. The oil A. floribunda containing 52-58% and 39-45% (Hilditch, 1958) is of great commercial importance, with considerable variation from tree to tree in the profiles (Atangana et al., 2011). The fatty acid profile of the oil is known to lower cholesterol levels in human plasma while reducing the risk of heart attack (Bonanome and Grundy, 1988). Unilever is committed to the process of building a production industry Allanblackia oil in Africa on the basis of the production and development of the local supply chain, which could give a fair return to farmers, collectors and local transformer (Egyir, 2007) In medicine, the bark is astringent and toning; his ashes are recommended as a digestive. Incorporated into lotions, bark can be used against ulcers and rashes. It can also be administered as a decoction against asthma and as a febrifuge. The extracts of the leaves have an activity in the liver, and is an ingredient in the composition of a sugar used for combating heart diseases (Fuller et al., 2003). It was also noted the use of young leaves and bark in treating fever, cough, dysentery, toothache, injuries, inflammation and as an aphrodisiac and analgesic (Laird, 1996). In breeding, the foliage has a high value as forage, although rarely cut for this purpose because of the elevated height of the tree and particularly the fact that it affects fruit yields (Nkengfak et al., 2002). In beekeeping, flowers are considered better than those of other honey plants (Psidium guajava, Theobroma cacao) for the production of second grade dark honey (Amanor et al., 2008). Indeed having a density of 0.8 to 0.9 gm-3, it is used for construction and known for its resistance to termites (Bowe, 2007). The crown of A. floribunda offers excellent shade making it a palaver tree ritual consultations notable. Moreover Amanor et al., (2008) estimates that due to the resistance to breakage and its extensive root system, the species is used as a windbreak in fruit production holdings (mango orchard, cocoa, citrus etc ..). On the environmental front, A. floribunda was used in carbon sequestration projects. In such agroforestry systems, A. floribunda is planted in association with some fruit and forest species (Caluwé et al., 2010). DOMESTICATION OF ALLANBLACKIA FLORIBUNDA World Agroforestry Centre ICRAF has since 1998 developed a participatory approach to the domestication of high value indigenous fruit trees in West and Central Africa. In this approach, local communities themselves are involved throughout the process of domestication by selecting, increasing and managing the trees (http://www.worldagroforestry.org/af/treedb/, May 28, 2016). The aim is to help local communities to use tropical forests more sustainably by domesticating trees, helping farmers to grow these trees in their fields. Several trees are going to be domesticated: Irvingia gabonensis, Dacryodes edulis, Garcinia kola, Allanblackia spp. etc. (Tchoundjeu et al., 2006). Partnership Africa Novella has since 2002 worked on the domestication of Allanblackia, and aspects on the biology of the tree, or distribution have been studied and are known today (Van Rompaey, 2005; Peprah et al. 2009; Mathew et al, 2009).. To help in the process of domestication, ICRAF joined the partnership in 2004. In the beginning, more emphasis was placed on collecting seeds, selection of germplasm and propagation. The first tests showed very low germination rate. But with the work of Ofori et al. (2011), this rate has increased dramatically to ten weeks (75%) after removal of the seed coat and seeds were incubated in polyethylene bags. Even with the improved germination, there are still problems of determining the sex of the trees and the long delay in fruiting is not acceptable to farmers who need a faster return on their investment. This resulted in the development of vegetative propagation as alternative options (Anegbe et al., 2006; Atangana et al., 2006; Ofori et

International Journal of Research in Pharmacy and Biosciences V3● I6● 2016 13 Tchinmegni F. I “Valorisation of Non-Timber Forest Product (NTFP): Case of Allanblackia Floribunda Oliver” al., 2008; Asaah et al., 2010). Some of the benefits with vegetative propagation is the ability to control the male female ratio and multiplying trees with superior features such as a more uniform growth, fruiting earlier, higher efficiency, etc. (Munjuga et al., 2008) . The process of domestication is continuing and there are still problems related to the development and establishment of seedlings in nurseries and farms. A way out to solve these problems could be related to one or more parameters of the ground which today are poorly documented. It is important to know especially if the trees are to be planted in new areas outside their natural habitat. Generative Multiplication This uses very often as diaspores seeds which are seeds. It is the oldest propagation technique, the easiest and least effective. Not only individuals obtained in this way do not always look like their mother but are experiencing a late fruiting. This practice can be done in two ways: plant nursery production or direct seeding. This latter practice is to sow the seed directly in the field in a home garden or in an orchard at the location where it will germinate, grow and produce the first gold is to introduce the seed in an appropriate location called nursery where it will germinate up and be subsequently transplanted into its final environment. The germination of A. floribunda is very difficult. This was a constraint for the domestication process. The seeds of A. floribunda take 6-18 months to germinate (Abbiw D. 1990). Atwater (1980), said that some seeds germinate less with time (of seed deterioration) while others germinate based storage (dormant). The species of seeds were found to germinate with increasing duration nursery. From these observations, it might be suggested that endogenous morphological dormancy is imposed on seed A. floribunda, in this case, the embryo is not fully developed when the fruit falls from the tree. However, it is not clear if the seed coat is waterproof and contains inhibitors which therefore require an exo - endodormance (a combination of exogenous and endogenous dormancy conditions). According to Hartmann et al., (2002), such a state of dormancy can be broken by scarification, followed by stratification. During Ofori et al (2011) studies, scarification and stratification were tested on the seeds of the species in polythene bags under shade conditions. The husks of the seeds are removed and stored in polyethylene and germination bags began two weeks after and within 10 months, 75 to 68% germination were obtained respectively for scarified seeds in bags in transparent and black polyethylene. Until very recently, culture Allanblackia based solely on multiplication by seed, this technique gradually gives way to vegetative propagation techniques. Vegetative Propagation Asexual reproduction is the reproduction mode that offers better opportunities to select the best ecotypes A. floribunda for domestication, especially for female trees which provide most of the breeding fruit with interesting characteristics (Leakey et al., 2002). The vegetative propagation is a method of reproduction without the intervention of sexuality phenomenon (Longman, 1993). This is the technique for producing new plants from the vegetative parts of another plant. The plant obtained following this practice is called clone. Grafting The graft or transplant is a vegetative propagation technique of the union of a plant fragment to another plant for the constitution of a single individual who has qualities of both plants together (Degrande and Kengue 2003). Grafting is proving to be a great success in Allanblackia spp. For example, Ofori et al. (2008) proved a success rate of 80% grafting using grafting side slot, as opposed to 50% grafting plating on Allanblackia parviflora Ghana. Based on the work of Asaah et al. (2011), a vegetatively propagated by grafting A. floribunda is possible. Following the different methods of grafting used, it appears that: the side slit method is the best (80 ℅) followed by plating method (52.8 ℅), corona (50%), complicated by Engish (50 %) and by budding (13.3%). Layering Layering is a way of vegetative propagation which is to cause the emission of roots on a branch without detaching it from the plant from which it came (Hannah and Jan, 2003). It remains well fed

14 International Journal of Research in Pharmacy and Biosciences V3● I6● 2016 Tchinmegni F. I “Valorisation of Non-Timber Forest Product (NTFP): Case of Allanblackia Floribunda Oliver” by the mother plant, so that it is not able to feed only (Mialoundama et al., 2001). Rooting is induced by trauma that stops the flow of sap between the two parts of the plant. This technique is developed and tested on Allanblackia spp. It is hoped that the necessary conditions for rooting and successful management marcots Allanblackia spp could be established. Information about the layering of A. floribunda is still being studied by the World Agroforestry Centre (Ofori et al., 2014). Cuttings The cuttings is to induce rooting and sometimes budding fragments detached from plants which can either be stem or roots or leaves (Cuisance, 1980). According to Martin and Quillet (1974), the ability to cuttings varies from one plant to another; so we distinguish easily bouturable plants, and difficult to plant cuttings. These authors add that this ability varies with the source, age of ortet and the position of the ortet where the cutting is removed. Rightly, according Tchoundjeu et al., (1997), cuttings are the most used technique of vegetative propagation for commercial forest trees and the domestication of agroforestry species. This technique allows to obtain plants from plant material rejuvenated (Longman, 1993). Over 70% (Leakey et al., 1982) or 80% (Longman, 1993) of tropical forest trees can be rooted from cuttings and leafy uninodales using a propagator. Atangana et al, (2006), in a study on rooting cuttings of A. floribunda reveal 68.7% of 25 weeks in rooting success in a propagator without fog with such factors (rooting medium - river sand, and leaf area - 25 cm2). These stem cuttings were obtained from thickets of young growth of stem and the percentage of rooting do not change until the end of the experiment at 38 weeks. However, most of the cuttings do not develop tap roots, which could jeopardize the stability of their tree. Tsobeng et al (2016) in their study on the rooting capacity of cuttings Allanblackia floribunda sheets using different NPK application periods and showed 85.71% success rooting to 28 weeks in a propagator . But a low average number of root was observed, suggesting the need to further refine the protocol for rooting A. floribunda. In fact, Leakey (2004) in his study found that factors related to the physiology of vegetative propagation influences the speed of rooting and hence the number of roots grown from cuttings. Mycorrhizal Symbiosis in Allanblackia Floribunda In the current state of knowledge, the physiological importance of mycorrhizae is increasingly recognized. Several authors have shown the efficiency of symbiotic microorganisms on plant growth (Diop et al., 2003). These fungi in soils of most ecosystems, form symbiotic associations with the roots of many terrestrial plants (about 80%) (Strullu, 1991; van der Heijden et al., 1998a). In exchange for carbon resources received from the host plant, these fungi improve the collection and transport to the soles of very few mobile nutrients (mainly phosphorus) (Bolan, 1991), increase drought tolerance (Hardie & Leyton, 1981; Strullu, 1991) and reduce the effect of pathogenic infections (Abdalla & Abdel-Fattah, 2000). Mycorrhizal symbiosis also gives the plant tolerance to heavy metals (Leyval & Joner, 2001) and organic pollutants (Joner & Leyval, 2003). This symbiosis is expressed best in soils low in phosphorus, characteristics of tropical countries. In fact, it is recognized that the soil in the wetlands of Cameroon is acid, deficient in Ca, Mo, Mg, K and P, and toxicity of Al, Fe and Mn (Ambassa-Kiki, 2002). According to the latter author, acid soil covers approximately 75-100% of this part of Cameroon. Therefore, plants with low root development as A. floribunda should there grow very slowly (Swift, 1998). Rightly, the study by Tchinmegni et al (2016) on the chemical properties of soil and mycorrhizal status Allanblakia floribunda revealed that the roots of the species combine to endomycorrhizae or mycorrhizal fungus during arbuscular its life cycle. The result of the correlation of this mycorrhizal dependence (tau root colonization) and cook (R2 = -0934, p = 0.046) would mean a reduction of copper in the substrate, increase the potential of mycorrhizal association and therefore enhance the growth of cuttings. ALLANBLACKIA FLORIBUNDA, WITNESS OF ANCESTRAL ACTIVITIES Archaeological excavations conducted by Assoko Ndong (2002) in the Lopé Reserve in revealed in the pits the presence of oil palm nuts (Elaeis guineensis), and sometimes those of aiélé ( Engl.) of onzabili (Anthrocaryon klaineanum Pierre) and Allanblakia floribunda. It thus confirms that the tree provided a staple of the hunter-gatherer populations of Stone International Journal of Research in Pharmacy and Biosciences V3● I6● 2016 15 Tchinmegni F. I “Valorisation of Non-Timber Forest Product (NTFP): Case of Allanblackia Floribunda Oliver” Age to the Bronze Age (3000 years BC.). The same tree was discovered in an excavation at the site Oveng (Gabon) dating from the Iron Age Old (1700 years BC.) Van Neer et al. (1991). , a pit dating from 760 BC. BC has delivered the presence of the seeds of Allanblakia floribunda (Clist, 1998). These observations show that the knowledge and use of the species by humans are very old. Even today, in Abia State in , during site preparation for planting cocoa farmers save different species of forest trees including Allanblakia floribunda and Irvingia gabonensis (Meregini, 2005). CONCLUSION AND PERSPECTIVES Our review of the literature shows that non-timber forest products (NTFPs) play an important role in the daily lives and welfare of millions of people in Central Africa. Rural populations depend on these products, sources of food, fodder, medicines, gums, resins and building materials. The marketed products help meet the daily needs and provide employment and income, particularly for rural populations. This literature review also shows the revival of scientific interest in non-timber forest product of work and that, on revenues of local communities diversification reasons, to increase knowledge on some species still neglected , among which Allanblakia floribunda Oliver. The current abundance is, perhaps the interest that men wore this resource since 5000 years. Recognition and interest of cultural values, economic and Allanblakia floribunda food are well established. Indeed, Allanblakia floribunda has been various uses by local communities, mainly for food and medicinal purposes. Its wood, naturally resistant to termite attack, is used to make boxes frames. Its technological qualities also make an essence of the future, which will perhaps one day be exploited commercially. Special interest should be brought to him, for he will then constitute a typical case of competitive resource (coveted by both forestry companies and local populations), like the Moabi (Kouadio et al., 2008; Vermeulen al., 2009). The description of its ecology, its mechanisms of regeneration and its population dynamics will have basic elements to consider its sustainable use. The Study of levels of samples by local people, the description of the marketing chain and the study of its domestication potential complement this approach, in order to achieve a model that might be applicable to other less known NTFP. REFERENCES

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