Phenology of some tropical woody landscape species in Kumasi, Ghana. I. Observations on flowering

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Abstract

Phenological observations are given of the flowering of 101 tropical woody species over a ten-year period. Four distinct phenological categories could be recognized: species flowering throughout the year (23.8%), once a year (36.6%), twice a year (35.6%) and thrice a year (4%). In general, for species not flowering continuously throughout the year, flowering is from July to April with peaks in March, April, October and December. For species flowering once a year, flowering is concentrated between November and January whilst for species flowering twice a year, flowering occurs mostly from October to April. Species flowering once a year are in bloom for the longest period (5.8 months), followed by species flowering twice a year (4 months) and by those flowering thrice a year (1.9 months). Possible factors affecting the annual pattern of flowering are considered. The need for further studies of flower-bud initiation and flower emergence is stressed. The use of data on flowering frequency and flowering periods by landscape architects/designers/horticulturists in the forest zone of Ghana and similar environments is suggested.

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