Variation in baobab seedling morphology and its implications for selecting superior planting material

摘要: With the aim of helping to select superior planting material for drought characteristics, baobab seedlings from two countries, one in western and south-eastern Africa, were grown a greenhouse their growth morphology studied. Seedlings 18 weeks several morphological characteristics (length, diameter dry weights different plant parts, number leaves, stomatal density, among others) recorded at harvesting times. Biomass allocation changed with time: invested more fine roots leaves beginning while later they development taproot. In general, any harvest time, Malawi larger; but Mali had higher relative rates faster ontogeny. shorter hypocotyls, stems thicker, fewer lower leaf area ratios and, density than those Malawi. Significant differences between provenances within country could also be observed. drier smaller overall, taproot water content often related adaptation. taproot, key organ seedling survival. Although our only under optimal conditions greenhouse, results this study indicate that there is great variation growth, biomass parts morphology, which gives opportunities high quality material.