Authors:B. Habonimana, G. Weiner, B. Nzigidahera, S. Hein, H. Megerle, J.P. Kabural1, A. Gisamba
Abstract:Non-timber forest products are sources of income for rural populations. This is the case in Burundi for bamboo and until a few years ago for rattan. The latter is threatened by clearing of its habitats for agricultural purposes. This study presents an overview of rattan in Burundi. A mapping of the sites still hosting rattan and hosted it some six to thirty years ago was carried out and the areas covered were measured. In total, rattan covered, in 2015, an area of 1.04 ha on various sites in southern Burundi and mainly in the Kigwena Forest Natural Reserve. The analysis of the anatomical features of rattan stems from this forest confirmed that the species present in Burundi is Eremospatha haullevilleana De Wild.
Keywords:Eremospatha haullevilleana, habitats, area, anatomical features