ECOLOGY OF A MIOMBO FRUIT TREE - UAPACA KIRKIANA (EUPHORBIACEAE)

Records in herbaria and published information on the distribution of U apaca kirkiana Muell. Arg. were assembled and summarized as a distribu tion map. Soil and vegetation maps of Africa, meteorological data and information on ecological accounts were used in the interpretation of the map. Uapaca kirkiana is reported from most countries within the Za mbezian centre of endemism and adjacent transitional phytochoria. The species has been recorded growing in Angola, Burundi, Malawi, Mozambiq ue, Tanzania, Zaire, Zambia and Zimbabwe. Within the natural range, oc currence is related to a unimodal rainfall regime with an annual range of 500-1400 mm occurring over a 4-5 month period followed by a long d ry season lasting 5-7 months. The mean day time temperature range is 1 8-29 degrees C in the hot season and 12-24 degrees C in winter. Typica lly Uapaca kirkiana grows in well-drained escarpments at altitudes of 500-2000 m, with infertile sand or gravelly soils of acidic reaction. As a miombo species, it occurs in mixed communities of Brachystegia-Ju lbernardia woodland as dominant or co-dominant species, often gregario us, forming dense groves, commonly referred to as Uapaca woodlands. Th roughout the range, listings of associated woody species frequently in clude Albizia, Anisophyllea, Brachystegia, Burkea, Isoberlinia, Julber nardia, Monotes, Parinari, Protea, Pericopis, Pterocarpus, Ochna and o ther Uapaca spp. Attention is drawn to various relationships with myco rrhizae and animals (including man) and their significance in conserva tion and management options. Definitive studies aimed at generating re levant data to aid husbandry action are outlined. Suggestions for posi tive management prescriptions and domestication initiatives are made.