list of figures - Terry Sunderland

an inventory or survey. These parameters depend on the life form of the plant as well
as the plant part harvested. This is discussed in more detail by Peters (1996; 1999).
3.2.2.2 Taxonomy
It is essential to know which species are being enumerated and, in conjunction with
studies of economic and ethnobotany, which species have potential utility. Without
reference to a sound taxonomic base, an accurate assessment of the resource being
enumerated is not possible. Where there is doubt surrounding the identification of a
species, voucher specimens should be taken. This process need not be undertaken for
each individual within a sample area, but representative samples can be taken for
“morpho-species” (de Walt et al., 1999) 1 . In addition to providing crucial information
about the resource base, knowledge of the taxonomy of the species concerned also
provides invaluable information with regard to the relationship between the rattan
flora and the wider vegetation.
A number of previous inventories in Africa that have included rattan have been
somewhat constrained by a poor understanding of the taxonomic base (CRSFP, 1994;
Wong, 1997), or have relied on local nomenclature that is not always congruent with
western taxonomy (van Dijk, 1995; van Dijk, 1999). Unfortunately, in such cases the
lack of a rigorous baseline reference means that such surveys have little application
for the coherent management of the rattan resource.
3.2.2.3 Stem length vs harvestable length
Stem length, as well as the number of stems per unit area, are the most crucial
parameter for determining potential yield in rattans. However, there is some difference
between total stem length and harvestable stem length (Bøgh, 1996; Sunderland and
Dransfield, in press). Rattan stems selected for harvesting are those mature stems
without the lower leaves (i.e. where the leaf sheaths have sloughed off). It is usual that
only the basal 10-20m is harvested. The upper “green” part of the cane is too soft and
inflexible for transformation and is often left in the canopy. Hence, to ascertain the
true yield per hectare of a species, both total and harvestable stem lengths must be
measured.
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