A REVIEW OF THE SILVICULTURE AND RESOURCE POTENTIAL OF A MIOMBO FRUIT TREE: <em>UAPACA</em> <em>KIRKIANA</em> (EUPHORBIACEAE)

Abstract

Uapaca kirkiana Mull. Arg. is a multipurpose tropical fruit tree indigenous to the miombo woodlands of southern Africa and widely distributed in Angola, Zaire, Burundi, Tanzania, Malawi, Mozambique, Zambia and Zimbabwe. The tree is particularly valued for its fruit which is a source of food and cash throughout its natural range. The wood is useful for timber, fuelwood, charcoal, agricultural implements and general carpentry. A brief account of its taxonomic position, botany, ecology and distribution is outlined. A major part of this review centres on the silviculture and resource potential of Uapaca kirkiana in southern Africa. The discussion draws attention to existing gaps in knowledge and research needs to support and enhance conservation and development of Uapaca kirkiana as a resource. Constraints to the realization of its full potential are identified as incomplete knowledge of the reproductive biology and breeding systems, lack of detailed propagation and cultivation procedures, insufficient data on the market potential of the fruit and its products, and lack of appropriate processing and storage technologies.