Selection of Forest Tree Species in Rhodesia

SUMMARY Productivity of forest plantations in Southern Africa could be increased considerably by careful matching of species to locality and site. This becomes increasingly apparent as the consequences of off-site plantings are exhibited in commercial stands. Susceptibility to disease and insect attack, wind damage, losses through drought and frost, and defective stem form and timber are among the more serious effects. In addition there are instances of severe timber defects developing in some species under site conditions which otherwise support good volume growth and physiological health. In Rhodesia, observations made over a number of years have indicated the basic site and climatic requirements for the main commercial tree species and these are given in summarized form. It is suggested that, to improve productivity of plantations in Southern Africa, greater scope exists in extending the adaptability of accepted species by breeding and manipulation through management than in seeking new species. Countries of the SARCCUS region should co-operate in wide testing on carefully described and monitored sites in order to make the most efficient use of the genetic potential of forest trees in Southern Africa.