USES, MANAGEMENT AND ECONOMIC POTENTIAL OF GARCINIA KOLA AND <em>RICINODENDRON</em> <em>HEUDELOTII</em> IN THE HUMID LOWLANDS OF CAMEROON

Abstract

Garcinia kola and Ricinodendron heudelotii are among the most preferred species in the humid lowlands of Cameroon. Garcinia kola fruits and Ricinodendron heudelotii seeds are highly valued and traded. The species grow in the wild and not much work has been done in domesticating them. As part of a prioritisation exercise a field survey was undertaken to quantify, at the farm-level, uses, management and economic potential of the species. Results from this study show that there are several uses of different products of the species including those for medicinal purposes and for home consumption. Desired improvement objectives include reduced time to bearing, reduced tree height, higher yield, increased fruit size and spreading the fruiting period. Improvement research in those lines might increase the value of the species to land users.