Bwa-yo - Société Audubon Haiti

4 Bavawonn
but have become dominated by Prosopis and Acacia as a result ofland use practices and
changed soil conditions. Despite its reputation for adapting to a wide range of soils, the
species performs poorly on extremely rocky sites where Acacia tortuosa and cactus
grow. It is often the only tree species that can tolerate poorly drained, high pH (9.0+)
sodic soils. The species is uncommon in Haitiat elevations higher than 400 m or in areas
with annual rainfall amounts greater than 1000 mm.
Tree Characteristics: Very large trees with heights of 15 m and trunk diameters greater
than 1 m are found in Haiti. Most ofthe mature trees in Haiti have been pollarded, making
it difficult to measure natural crown diameters. Crown widths have been measured
up to 15 m. The tree is generally multi-stemmed, forking low when young (Fig. 1.2).
Eventually, a single stem dominates, reinforced in practice as the inferior stems are harvested
for firewood and small poles. Coppice stems grow faster and more erect, favoring
a straight form that is ideal for construction material. On favorable sites, the tree is
often seen to be spreading clusters of coppice and root suckers that regenerate for
numerous harvesting cycles. The tree's shallow and deep root systems are both extensive.
The common Creole name bayawonn is believed to be a corruption of the Spanish
vaya hondo, which means" to go deep," a reference to the extraordinary root system.
The main fruiting season of the species extends from May to November, though
pods are available throughout the year. There are 20,000-35,000 seeds kg· l . During
drought periods, the pods commonly are infested with insect larvae, particularly bruchid
beetles.
The heartwood is a dark red-brown that turns purplish upon exposure and contrasts
sharply with the white sapwood. Durability is dependent on stem age; while the heartwood
is durable, stem wood comprised mostly ofsapwood is highly susceptible to powder
post beetles and decay fungi. The wood is moderately hard and heavy (sp. gr. 0.8)
Figure 1.2 P juliflora stands are managed near the horne as livestock parks for shade,
feed, fuel and construction wood.