Characteristics of subspontaneous dispersal of Kentucky coffetree (Gymnocladus dioicus (L). K. Koch)in Topcider

Abstract

The paper presents the occurrence of subspontaneous dispersal of Kentucky coffeetree in the park-forest which is a part of a protected natural area "Topciderski park" in Belgrade. In 1949, three trees of Kentucky coffeetree not older than 85 years were recorded. In 2016, one sexually reproductive tree was recorded in Topcider which is assumed to be one of the three "mother" trees recorded in 1949. The diameter at breast height is 94.6 cm and the height of the tree is 24.1 m. During the past seven decades, the Kentucky coffeetree regenerated successfully from seed and root suckers in the area that was under anthropogenic influence and was left to succession, but the Kentucky coffeetree has not shown invasiveness. In the area of subspontaneous dispersal of Kentucky coffeetree (0.25 ha), all the trees that had diameter at breast height 1.0 cm and more were measured. Fourteen tree and shrub species were identified with a total of 624 trees and Kentucky coffeetree was the most represented species with 326 trees (52.2%). In the subspontaneous regenerated group of Kentucky coffeetree, the diameter at breast height of the thickest tree is 48.2 cm and the highest tree is 25.5 m tall. The diameter structure of Kentucky coffeetree trees shows the declining distribution. Compared to the habitus of "mother" tree, that has a slenderness of 25, the habitus of the dominant and codominant trees in the subspontaneous regenereted group of Kentucky coffeetree is characterized by slenderness of 75-110 that is characteristic of the trees grown in the stand closure.

Growth elements of the trees and the stand of Gymnocladus dioicus (L.) K. Koch at Fruška gora (Serbia)

“…The species Gymnocladus dioicus (L.) K. Koch has been present in the territory of Serbia for over 150 years and it is one of the earliest introduced species (Bobinac et al, 2017). Usually, the tree was used decoratively, in the form of single trees or in small groups in parks and estates of the former nobleman in Vojvodina.…”

“…Usually, the tree was used decoratively, in the form of single trees or in small groups in parks and estates of the former nobleman in Vojvodina. The species regenerates well from seed and root suckers, but it doesn't show invasiveness (Bobinac et al, 2017). That is the reason why the species is mostly present only in locations where it was introduced until the first half of the 20 th century having in mind that in the later period, only single trees and small groups were planted.…”

“…In the territory of Serbia, the species G. dioicus has been present for over 150 years, and it was most commonly cultivated in the form of decorative single trees or small groups of trees in the parks and estates of former noblemen in Vojvodina and one site was registered in Topčider in the territory of Belgrade (Petrović, 1951;Bobinac et al, 2017). The largest, heterogeneous group of trees is at Fruška Gora on the site of pedunculate oak and hornbeam.…”

“…The largest, heterogeneous group of trees is at Fruška Gora on the site of pedunculate oak and hornbeam. The data about the growth elements of this group of trees (culture) are presented at the age of 17 years (Petrović, 1951) and at the age of 75 years (Bobinac and Stojadinović, 2007;Bobinac et al, 2008). According to these authors, Kentucki coffeetree has potentially high productive possibilities and can be considered as a fast growing tree species which makes it economically interesting on this site.…”

“…The justification of cultivation of the species is confirmed by anatomical research which pointed out that G. dioicus has good wood properties, and is especially recommended for recultivation of degraded sites (Vilotić et al, 2011;Jokanović et al, 2015). The research and observations in the cultures in Serbia have pointed out the limited ability of subspontaneous expansion of G. dioicus as well as some biological traits that could be useful in the control of subspontaneous expansion in the cultures (Bobinac et al, 2017;Bobinac et al, 2018).…”