The Ecological Distribution and Physical Characteristics of Mondia whitei (Hook F.) In the Bamboutos and Mayo Banyo High Lands of Cameroon

Abstract

Purpose: The aim of this study is to assess the distribution and the physical characteristics of Mondia whitei (Hook F) in the Bamboutos and Mayo Banyo highlands in Cameroon. Mondia whitei (Hook F) is an African medicinal plant species found in Cameroon that humans have gained benefits from. Materials and Methods: This study employed a purposive sampling technique were plots of 100m by 100m were set guided by occurrence sites obtained from semi structured questionnaires and focus group discussions. In each plot, all Mondia whitei trees, diameter at breast height and height were recorded. Liana stem diameter was measured at 130cm from rooting point and plants grouped in to exclusive DBH classes of ≤1.2 and 1.2 to 3.5. Descriptive statistics, maps and nonparametric test were done. Findings: The result showed that a total of 346 trees of Mondia whitei were recorded on a total surface area of 65 hectares on the Bamboutos high land. While 280 trees of Mondia whitei were recorded over a surface area of 36 hectares at Mayo Banyo. Areas of high abundance was within elevations of 1542 to 1738m at Topelu and Bamegnia in Bamboutos high land at the Babajou subdivision with density of 8.0(stem/ha). On the other hand at Mayo Banyo highlands Mondia whitei had the highest occurrence of tree density of 29.2(stem/ha) at elevations of 860-1070 found within Bankim subdivision. Both Bamboutos and Mayo Banyo had more adults than juveniles’ plants of Mondia whitei. There was no significant difference value between the adults and juveniles of Mondia whitei within elevations of Bamboutos. Mayo Banyo had a significant difference in adults and juveniles of Mondia whitei within elevation. Bamboutos and Mayo Banyo, had a greater proportion of non-exploitable as compared to exploitable plants of Mondia whitei Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Practice: Further studies on the influence of climate and edaphic factors on distribution pattern within the area in order to project possible distribution sites.