Host plants ofOsyris lanceolata(African Sandalwood) and their influence on its early growth performance in Tanzania

Abstract

SYNOPSISIdentification of the host plants of the hemi-parasitic African sandalwood (Osyris lanceolata) and the influence of some on its early growth performance was investigated at Image, Nundu, Sao Hill and Iringa in the southern highlands of Tanzania. The aim was to identify host plants that support the growth of O. lanceolata, and to evaluate the potential of some in promoting its early growth under artificial establishment. The results revealed that O. lanceolata parasitises a wide range of hosts although some were preferred. The preferred hosts were Rhus natalensis, Dodonaea viscosa, Tecomaria capensis, Catha edulis, Apodytes dimidiata, Brachystegia spiciformis, Maytenus acuminatus and Aphloia theiformis. Of the preferred hosts, Brachytegia spiciformis, Rhus natalensis and Casuarina equisetifolia promoted most effectively the early growth of O. lanceolata in terms of height, diameter and overall root and shoot biomass. Possibly the light crown of these host species and the nitrogen fixing ability of C. equisetifolia played a significant role in conferring this advantage. The species are thus recommended as appropriate host plants when raising O. lanceolata seedlings for planting. However, a decision on whether these hosts will support the growth of O. lanceolata at a later stage is subject to further experimentation as they may only be serving as initial or intermediate hosts as reported in a related species Santalum album.

Knowledge Gaps in Taxonomy, Ecology, Population Distribution Drivers and Genetic Diversity of African Sandalwood (Osyris lanceolata Hochst. & Steud.): A Scoping Review for Conservation

“…across generations [ 81 ]. Although regeneration of O. lanceolata is more successful through coppicing or root stocks, rather than seed germination [ 7 ], the mother source which contains higher genetic diversity in subsequent generations is not known. The factors accelerating seed germination failure in O. lanceolata need to be explored further to improve recruitment programs in natural populations.…”

“…(Australia) in the 1990s, and the increasing demand for sandalwood oil over the years [ 3 , 4 , 5 ]. Dwindling of the species populations in Africa is attributed to overexploitation and lack of robust management strategies [ 5 , 6 , 7 , 8 ]. Some populations in Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania and South Sudan have completely disappeared due to illegal harvesting and smuggling of tree logs despite the species being protected under Appendix II of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) [ 8 , 9 , 10 , 11 ].…”

The cultural beliefs, values and utilization of East Africa Sandalwood Osyris lanceolata Hochst. & Steud. (1832) in and around Chyulu Hills Ecosystem, Kenya

“…& Steud. is distributed in this ecosystem and, although protected under CITES, was heavily smuggled and exploited in the hills between the years 2000and 2005(CITES 2013).…”

“…The plant is hemi parasitic (Texeira Da Silva et al 2016) and requires a host. The major preferred initial or intermediate hosts are Rhus natalensis, Dodonaea viscosa, Tecomaria capensis, Catha edulis, Apodytes dimidiata Meyer, Brachystegia spiciformis, Maytenus acuminatus and Aphloia theiformis (Mwang'ingo et al 2005). Seed or root suckers are the natural mode of propagation.…”

Ecology, Status and Uses of Osyris Quadripartita (African Sandalwood) in Southern Ethiopia: A Comprehensive Review

“…The gallery forest of African sandalwood was Juniperus procera, Podocarpus falcutus, Combretum-Terminalia, and Dodonaea woodland, Erica scrub, Acacia nilotica, Commiphora-Africana scrubland, on rocky slopes, degraded woodland, dry evergreen and semi-desert of Ethiopian region; throughout Africa, southern Asia to China (Mwang'ingo et al, 2005).…”