The study assessed the floristic diversity and analysed the structure of plant groups in the Pénéssoulou Forest Reserve (PFR). For this purpose, 234 plots of 50 m × 20 m each were installed in delimited floristically homogenous stands. An individualization of the different plant groups of the PFR was carried out using non-metric multidimensional scaling. Alpha diversity indices were used to evaluate the floristic diversity of the plant communities. Dendrometric parameters and size class structures of diameter and height were performed to understand the conservation status of the identified plant communities. Four plant communities was identified: G1 corresponded to woodlands and savannah woodlands with Vitellaria paradoxa and Uapaca togoensis as characteristic species, and including 81 woody species; G2 corresponded to forest gallery, dominated by Anogeissus leiocarpa and Cola gigantea and including 100 woody species; G3 corresponding to tree and shrub savannahs with Vitellaria paradoxa and Parinari curatellifolia as characteristic species, and including 64 woody species; and G4 corresponded to Anogeissus leiocarpa - Lonchocarpus sericeus dry forest that included 75 woody species. The dendrometric parameters varied significantly from a plant group to another (P-value < 0.05). The distribution of tree diameters was in an inverted «J» shape, characteristic of multi-species stands. As for the structures in height, they reflected a rarity of higher individuals (>20 m). The results showed an acceptable state of conservation and a good natural regeneration capacity of the forest, which must be improved through the implementation of a forest management plan.

Lianas play an important role in several aspects of forest dynamics. This study aims to (1) compare the spatial distribution of woody species between invaded and non-invaded areas by Sericostachy scandens and (2) assess the effect of the density of adult trees of a given species and woody regeneration and young tree stages of other species on the recruitment of the target woody species in both invaded and non-invaded areas by S. scandens within Kibira National Park (KNP) in Burundi. The abundance of woody species (regeneration, young trees, adult trees) was measured in 100 plots of 50 m × 50 m each, evenly distributed in the invaded areas and the non-invaded ones. The analysis of the spatial distribution of woody species was carried out through the computation of the Green index. A multiple regression was performed to test the effect of conspecific adults trees density and the average density of heterospecific woody regeneration and young tree on recruitment of woody species. The Green index values showed that all woody species had a random spatial distribution, regardless of S. scandens invasion. Overall, the density conspecific adults’ trees have a positive or insignificant effect on regenerations and young trees in both invaded and non-invaded areas. New studies focused on the influence of abiotic and biotic factors of the areas are essential for a thorough understanding of the distribution of KNP woody species and the mechanisms of their coexistence.

Uvariopsis tripetala (Baker f.) G. E. Schatz is a multipurpose aromatic plant listed as a vulnerable species by IUCN. It is threatened with extinction in Benin and its importance for local populations remains poorly documented. The purpose of this study is to analyze the traditional knowledge of local populations and the determinants of the use of U. tripetala in order to develop conservation and sustainable management strategies. To achieve this, 255 respondents, randomly selected from 5 socio-cultural groups (Adja, Fon, Holli, Mahi and Nagot) were interviewed through semi-structured ethnobotanical survey. Citation frequencies and ethnobotanical parameters (indices of diversity and equitability of the respondent, the consensual value of the types of use and the ethnobotanical value of use of an organ) were calculated. Factorial Correspondence Analysis was performed from a designed matrix. The results reveal that local populations have knowledge in the usage categories of food, magic, medicine, worship, household energy, oral and dental hygiene. In total, 24 uses have been identified and classified into 8 categories, the most cited of which are worship, medicinal and food uses. The most solicited organs are the stems for worship, the leaves for traditional medicine and the fruits for food purpose. Ethnic group, sex, age and instruction level are the factors that significantly influence the knowledge of U. tripetala uses. The rational use of the various plant organs and the sensitization of populations on the proper methods of cutting its stem could help to improve the sustainable management status of this species.