Knowledge and phenotypic variability of Picralima nitida in Benin

A lot of knowledge is lost in Africa due to lack of transmission, which does not favor the conservation of resources by local populations. In addition, these populations hold a great deal of knowledge about the use of resources. The aim of the study is to provide information on the use value, morphological variability and germination ability of P. nitida seeds. To achieve this, 240 informants, randomly selected from 04 socio-cultural groups namely Fon, Goun, Nago, Aïzo were surveyed. The results reveal that the local populations of the four socio-cultural groups use the roots, barks, leaves and seeds of P. nitida for 21 treatments. The Goun sociocultural group has a better knowledge of the uses of the species. The study of phenotypic variability yielded 03 fruit morphotypes and 05 seed morphotypes. Class 2, consisting mainly of fruits from Adjarra, is longer, wider, thicker and heavier. The germination of the seed morphotypes on simple substrate was negative. The species therefore has a natural regeneration problem.