GROWTH AND BIOMASS PRODUCTION OF YOUNG GREVILLEA-ROBUSTA PROVENANCES IN RWANDA

Five provenances of Grevillea robusta from natural stands in Australia , two from Australian plantations of unknown origin, and one from a pl antation in Rwanda were grown at Karama and Ruhande, Rwanda. At 29 mon ths of age, the provenances were compared with respect to tree surviva l, diameter at breast height, tree height, crown diameter, dry leaf bi omass and dry branch biomass. A pattern of genetic diversity in the sp ecies with respect to these characteristics was revealed. Benarkin, Im bil and Glenbar provenances (all from Australian forest sources) were identified as the most vigorously growing. Compared with provenances o riginating from plantation sources, those from natural forests appeare d better adapted to the study sites in Rwanda and were more productive for most variables studied. Individual provenances clearly merit atte ntion and incorporation in programmes of improvement work on the speci es for Rwanda.