Influence de la liane envahissante Sericostachys scandens Gilg Lopr. (Amaranthaceae) sur la structure des peuplements ligneux du Parc National de la Kibira au Burundi

Influence of the invasive liana Sericostachys scandens Gilg & Lopr. (Amaranthaceae) on the structure of woody stands within Kibira National Park in Burundi Sericostachys scandens Gilg & Lopr. (Amaranthaceae), an invasive liana, is a threat on woody species within tropical forests. This study aims to compare descriptors of woody stands between area invaded by S. scandens and non-invaded areas and to estimate the effect of S. scandens on developmental stages of woody species (regeneration, juvenile and adult trees) within the Kibira National Park (KNP) in Burundi. The abundance of S. scandens and other woody species was assessed within 100 plots of 50 m x 50 m (evenly distributed in invaded and non-invaded areas of the KNP) and subjected to an analysis of covariance, to a Student t test and to a linear mixed-effect model with random slope and intercept. Woody stands descriptors (density, diameter, height and basal area) were significantly higher in non-invaded areas than in invaded areas. Invasion of S. scandens has a negative effect on the density of all developmental stages. S. scandens negatively affects forest stands of the KNP. S. scandens control could improve the recruitment of woody species.