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Assessment of Eco-Physiological Potential and Folia-Morpho-Anatomical Variation in Triplochiton Scleroxcylon K. Schum

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Author Affiliations

  • 1The Department of Forestry and Wood Technology, School of Agriculture and Agricultural Technology, Federal University of Technology, Akure, Ondo State, Nigeria
  • 2The Department of Forestry and Wood Technology, School of Agriculture and Agricultural Technology, Federal University of Technology, Akure, Ondo State, Nigeria

Res. J. Agriculture & Forestry Sci., Volume 14, Issue (4), Pages 1-10, October,8 (2026)

Abstract

This study assessed the eco-physiological growth performance and foliar morpho-anatomical characteristics of T. scleroxylon wildlings across three ecological locations in Ondo State, Nigeria: Owo (RUGIPO), Akungba-Akoko (AAUA), and Akure (FUTA). Five families (F1–F5) from Queen’s plot, Akure Forest Reserve, were evaluated to determine variations in growth traits, leaf morphology, venation patterns, epidermal structure, and stomatal characteristics, as well as their relationships with climatic factors. Growth parameters measured included height, collar diameter, and number of leaves, while foliar traits included leaf area, venation density, epidermal cell density, and stomatal characteristics. Climatic variables (air temperature, rainfall, and relative humidity) were correlated with the growth variable. Wildlings at FUTA recorded the highest mean collar diameter (5.97 ± 0.05 cm), height (31.89 ± 0.16 cm), and number of leaves (14.0 ± 0.12), compared to wildlings from Owo (5.06 ± 1.20 cm, 24.95 ± 0.09 cm, and 12.18 ± 0.22) and Akungba-Akoko (4.22 ± 0.09 cm, 24.13 ± 0.22 cm, and 7.0 ± 0.24) respectively. Among families, Family 1 exhibited superior growth performance with the highest mean height (33.79 cm) and collar diameter (5.99 cm), while Family 2 recorded the highest mean leaf number (13). Strong positive correlation was recorded between height and air temperature (r = 0.93), height and rainfall (r = 0.85), and height and number of leaves (r = 0.97). Foliar analysis revealed significantly higher epidermal cell density and stomatal density in FUTA (ECD = 64.00 mm⁻²; SD = 27.50 mm⁻²). The study demonstrates that both ecological conditions significantly influence early growth and foliar characteristics of T. scleroxylon. The superior performance of wildlings from family 1 in FUTA and other locations highlights their suitability for conservation, domestication, and plantation establishment. These findings provide empirical support for the selection of site-specific, genetically superior planting materials for sustainable forest management and afforestation programs in Nigeria.

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