Fourteen Year Performance of Eucalyptus Species/Provenances, Casuarina equisetifolia, Leucaena leucocephala and Senna siamea at Michafutene, Mozambique

Abstract

Variation in performance of several Eucalyptus species/provenances/land races, Casuarina equisetifolia, Leucaena leucocephala and Senna siamea was evaluated in two 14—year old trials planted at Michafutene, Mozambique. At the age of 6, 10, and 14 years, data were collected of survival, breast height diameter, height and stem form. Wood basic density was only measured at the final assessment occasion. Significant differences between species, provenances and land races were found in survival, growth and stem form. Wood basic density was not significantly different between species, provenances and land races. Overall, growth of Eucalyptus species/provenances from the natural range (Queensland, Australia) was found to be superior to that of sources (land races) form Brazil, Zimbabwe and Mozambique. The performanance of C. equisetifolia, L. leucocephala and S. siamea land races was also poor. The following outstanding species and provenances are recommended for planting at Michafutene and similar sites: E. tereticornis (ex. S. Helenvale), E. brassiana (ex. SE Coen), E. cloeziana (ex. Stannary Hills) and E. camaldulensis (ex. Petford). For E. cloeziana, testing of additional provenances is recommended since only one provenance was tested in these trials.