Variations in morphological characteristics, lipid content and chemical composition of safou (Dacryodes edulis (G. Don) H.J.LAM.) according to fruit distribution. A case study

A ten year old safou tree studied here bears 2820 fruits gathered on 557 bunches with 1 to 31 fruits on bunch. The fruit distribution was examined according to the geographical orientation (North, South, East, West) and the distance to the ground (Levels I, II, III), from the bottom towards the top of the tree). A sample of ten fruits per orientation and per level (120 fruits) was submitted to a detailed study (morphology, moisture, oil contents, fatty acid and triacylglycerol composition) according to the preceding factors. It was observed that East-West axis charged out 60% of total fruit number and these fruits were more homogeneous than North-South axis, and level III, (top of the tree) carried more than half of the total fruit number. Oil content of pulp increased from level I to level III (18–50%) whereas it varied weakly according to orientation. The fatty acid and triacylglycerol compositions were influenced neither by the orientation, nor by the distance to the groun