Abstract:
There are evidences that plant morphology
is shaped by genotype, but local environment mainly
climate influences morphology as well. In this study
the morphological variability of Vitex doniana, a
multipurpose tree species was characterised in relation
with climatic parameters in order to provide insights to
the species possible responses to future climate
change. Morphological data were collected on 102
trees randomly selected along unfixed transects in the
three climatic zones of Benin. Data were collected on
fruiting trees at three levels: tree (trunk and canopy),
leaves and fruits. Variance components were estimated for identification of variability sources regarding leaves and fruits characteristics. The most
important discriminant descriptors regarding climatic
zones were selected through a stepwise discriminant
analysis. Relationship between those discriminant
morphological traits and bioclimatic variables were
assessed through a redundancy analysis. Our findings
confirmed that there is an important variability of
morphological traits of the species and climate, mainly
some of its extremes parameters plays a non-negligible role. Trees in the Sudanian region are the biggest
with fruits producing little pulp while individuals in
the more humid Guinean region present a higher
amount of pulp whereas Sudano-Guinean trees are the
tallest with larger leaves. Although the climateinduced variability of the species is relatively low,
the study gives insights in probable effects of climate variability on its morphology. Population genetic
studies are required for a better understanding of
climatic impacts on V. doniana in order to develop
selection and domestication schemes which could
contribute to its conservation.
