Les Dialium de la région guinéo-congolaise (synthèse bibliographique)

Abstract

The Dialium of the Guinean-Congolese region. A review Introduction. The present study provides a synthesis of current knowledge on the genus Dialium (Fabaceae, Dialioideae), focusing on the species of the Guinean-Congolese region. In particular, it examines the possibility of sustainably using the wood and sawing co-products of Dialium species in order to reduce the pressure on other hardwood species whose populations are declining. Literature. Although there is no consensus among botanists, the Dialium genus is known to include 44 species, 22 of which are endemic to the Guinean-Congolese region. The differences between species are sometimes tenuous, and descriptions are based on a limited number of individuals. Species living in rainforests have balanced population structures. Apart from their mode of dispersal, which is zoochorous, ecological knowledge of Dialium species is very incomplete. The lack of data on population dynamics is particularly problematic in the context of sustainable forest management. The physical, mechanical and biochemical properties of the wood of these plants have only been characterized for a limited number of species. Conclusions. By proposing a key for determining the Dialium species of the Guinean-Congolese region, this article has attempted to clarify the taxonomy, while raising the need for further genetic studies. In Central Africa, some species of the genus Dialium are locally abundant and seem to regenerate well. They offer many prospects for development because their wood is very durable and could contain molecules of interest. Future research should focus primarily on the demographic dynamics of these species and the properties of their wood.

Keywords

• taxonomy
• phylogeny
• ecology
• wood
• metabolites
• pharmacology