Morphological Variability of Detarium microcarpum Guill. & Perr. (Caesalpiniaceae) in Benin, West Africa

Aims: The present study aims to evaluate the morphological diversity of Detarium microcarpum populations in Benin for the conservation purpose.

Methodology: Twelve quantitative and two qualitative variables were used in the phenotypic diversity based on the phytodistrict and soils groups of 78 D. microcarpum trees sampled in six phytodistrict of Benin. In order to access the phenotypic variability of the trees, the morphological variables were subjected to ANOVA one-way. Hierarchical ascending classification was also performed to group D. microcarpum populations based on the degree of similarity.

Results: Results showed that the leaves and fruits of D. microcarpum trees were highly polymorphic. The phytodistrict and soil group significantly influence the variability of the morphological descriptors used. Three morphotypes were obtained from D. microcarpum population used, with an important inter-groups variability for the descriptors.

Conclusion: The phenotypic variability observed suggested a fairly large genetic diversity of Detarium microcarpum. Trees belonging to subpopulation I (trees from Bassila and North Borgou phytodistricts) had the best fruit characteristics and could be used for varietal selection in Benin.