WOOD ANATOMY INDICES AND REVEGETATION POTENTIALS OF THREE TAXA OF THE EUPHORBIACEAE

Abstract

The suitability of three plant taxa namely: Bridelia ferruginea, Hura crepitans and Ricinodendron heudelotii as potential revegetation plants in desertified areas were assessed using Calquist’s wood anatomy indices (vulnerability and mesomorphy) using an ecological survey design. Temporal and permanent slides of transverse sections were prepared and vessel length and diameter (µm) measured using a Motic B3 Compound Microscope and vessel density determined for each of the plant taxa. The observed high vulnerability and high mesomorphy index values in Hura crepitans and Ricinodendron heudelotii indicates that they did not fall within the required ranges of 0 – 2.5 and 0 – 99 for the two indices respectively and cannot adapt well in xeric areas. However, Bridelia ferruginea fell within the range. In conclusion, Hura crepitans and Ricinodendron heudelotii are mesophytes while Bridelia ferruginea was xerophytic and can flourish in xeric areas, therefore, it possesses a great revegetation potential.