Eco-Physiological Study on Two Urban Forestry Species ( Azadirachta indica and Millettia thonningii ) in Ghana

摘要

Eco-physiological study was conducted on A. indica and Millettia thonningii , two species often used in urban forestry. The study was conducted in the field to determine the pattern of transpiration, stomatal movement, relative humidity and anatomical features of leaves during the dry season in the Accra plains. The pattern of transpiration in Millettia thonningii during the period showed low rates in the morning, high rates at noon and low in the afternoon. Azadirachta indica on the other hand showed high rate in the morning, low rate at noon and low rate in the afternoon. The two behavioral patterns shown could be their response to drought. M. thonningii escape drought by shedding its leaves whereas A. indica is evergreen. Leaf Relative Water Content (RWC) for the two species was above 50% . Leaf anatomical study revealed the presence of thick cuticles. The stomatal frequency of A. indica was very high whereas that of M. thonningii was relatively low.