Proximate Composition of Leaves of the African Rosewood (Pterocarpus erinaceus)

Plants have always been exploited worldwide for food, medicines, shelter, and other purposes because they are readily available, affordable and acceptable to a large populace of the world. The study was conducted to gather information on the proximate composition of fresh and dry leaves of Pterocarpus erinaceus. The proximate composition of the leaf samples was determined using the standard methods of analysis of the Association of Official Analytical Chemists (AOAC). Proximate analysis of the fresh leaf samples of the plant shows a higher moisture content compared to the dry leaf samples. The total fat and total ash contents of the fresh leaf samples were however lower compared to values recorded for the dry leaf samples. The dry matter content of fresh leaf samples was also lower compared to that of the dry leaf samples. Fresh leaf samples again recorded the least crude protein content compared to dry leaf samples. Carbohydrates content in fresh leaf samples was higher compared to dry leaf samples. Generally, higher proximate values were recorded for dry leaf samples than for fresh leaves. Dry matter and moisture contents were detected in high quantities in both fresh and dry leaf samples of P. erinaceus. These results could be a justification for the multiple uses of the plant leaves across Sub-Saharan Africa. Further research should be carried out on the mineral, phytochemical and vitamin composition between the fresh and dry leaves of the plant.

Maternal environment and seed size are important for successful germination and seedling establishment of Pterocarpus erinaceus (Fabaceae)

Seed size and the growth environment are important variables that influence seed germination, growth and biomass of seedlings and future tree harvest and should thus be taken into account in agroforestry and reforestation programmes for endangered species like Pterocarpus erinaceus. In the present study, to assess seedling germination and vigour in P. erinaceus as a function of seed size in two environments, 1080 seeds and 360 seedlings were evaluated at two separate sites in Côte d'Ivoire. The results show that large seeds had very high germination rates (up to 100%) and produced more vigorous plants better able to adapt to climate change. The maternal environment and seed size had a significant influence on seed germination (P < 0.05) and seedling development (P < 0.05) and biomass (P < 0.05). Seedlings were most successful at the site with a humid tropical climate (Daloa). Seedling leaves had the same resistance regardless of seed size and study site, but leaf moisture content was more stable in seedlings grown from medium and small seeds. These results will help guide conservation strategies for the species and are key factors for rural populations, loggers, and forest management structures for the silviculture of this species.