Crown morphology to evaluate the growing space of four Amazon native species

Abstract

This work aimed at defining guidelines for thinning of four native species in pure stands, in Roraima State: Brazil nut tree (Bertholletia excelsa), Andiroba (Carapa guianensis), Ipê-roxo (Tabebuia avellanedae), and Jatobá (Hymenea courbaril). Analyses were made on the relations between main crown morphometric index, and diameter and height growth of these species. Eighty-seven trees were measured, and data taken are: diameter at breast height, total height, crown insertion height and crown diameter. Crown parameters analysis showed diameter and crown area superiority of Brazil nut, which indicates its need of a proper initial spacing and bigger growing space. However, Brazil nut crown was less efficient to maintain the same mean annual diameter increment.