Morphological variability of the Baobab (Adansonia digitata L.) population in the city of Ziguinchor, Senegal

Abstract

The baobab, Adansonia digitata L., an emblematic species of Senegal, is one of the main multipurpose woody species found in the urban and peri-urban landscape in inter-tropical Africa. This charismatic and often mysterious tree remains at the heart of urban policies, as it plays a significant role in improving the living environment of its residents and in urban ecology. The objective of this study was to describe the morphological variability of its population in the city of Ziguinchor and to characterize the possible morphotypes. To do this, a morphological description was carried out on 67 individuals distributed in seven (7) neighborhoods of the city. Using the cluster optimization method and a hierarchical classification, two morphotypes were identified. Morphotype 1 with large, heavy fruits and mostly oval shapes. Their leaves are small in contrast to morphotype 2, characterized by individuals with large leaves and small and light fruits. The multivariate analysis of variance by permutations (permanova) showed that qualitative variables such as fruit deformation, ribbed or not, shape of the top and base of the fruit have no significant effect on the variability of the individuals of the baobab population studied.

Keywords: Adansonia digitata L, diversity, characterization, urban, morphotype, Ziguinchor, cluster