Structure et écologie de la forêt à Diospyros mespiliformis hochst. ex a.dc. et à Dialium guineense Willd. De la réserve de Massi (la Lama), Bénin.

Ces résultats ont été obtenus grâce au soutien d'Aires-Sud, un programme du ministère français des Affaires étrangères et européennes dont la gestion a été confiée à l'Institut de recherche pour le développement (Ird-Dsf).National audienceThe Massi natural forest within the Lama forest reserve makes up a particular ecosystem which is unique in Benin, lying on clay vertisols that are periodically inundated with rainwater. As a contribution to its protection, a phytosociological inventory was made using an integrated synusial method for an in-depth study of the forest's spontaneous vegetation. We identified several phytocenoses, the most extensive being a population dominated by Diospyros mespiliformis and Dialium guineense. A dendrometric and ecological study of this population was then conducted, with the main results showing satisfactory tree density of 230 stems per hectare and a basal area of 14 m2/ha. Thanks to a high density of seedling regeneration, the forest clearly has significant potential for resilience. Concerning tree height, the highest values recorded were for Afzelia africana and Mimusops andongensis. The diameter class distribution fits Weibull's theoretical "reverse J" distribution, with small-sized stems well represented. This study is the starting point for a programme designed to establish a well-informed management system for the entire 1500-hectare Lama forest, whose guiding principles are described in the conclusion