Tree dimention and seed production capacity variation of kilemo (Litsea cubeba) stands in Ciwidey, West Java

Abstract

Pramono AA. 2016. Tree dimention and seed production capacity variation of kilemo (Litsea cubeba) stands in Ciwidey, West Java. Pros Sem Nas Masy Biodiv Indon 2: 232-236. Kilemo (Litsea cubeba L. Persoon) is a potential essential oil-producing tree. All parts of the tree such as fruit, leaves, bark and root can be used as a source of raw materials of essential oil needed for various industrial uses, mainly cosmetic and pharmaceutical. This study aimed to determine the condition of kilemo stand in Ciwidey, West Java and its potential as a seed source and assessing the potential for seed production. The study was conducted on selected stand of 1 ha of natural forest in Ciwidey. The observation of kilemo stand was conducted on 4 sample plots, each 20 m x 20 m in size. The measurement was carried out on every kilemo tree found on plots. Observation of seed production was conducted on 20 sample trees. The results showed that the trunk diameter of kilemo on the selected plots ranged from 10.0 to 31.21 cm, with an average of 17.05+5.47 cm. The total height of trees ranged from 6.0 to 12.5 m, with an average of 9.0+1.75 m. The width of the canopy projection ranged from 1.81 to 8.65 m, with an average of 4.64+1.78 m. The crown length ranged from 2.0 to 9.5 m, with an average of 4.90+1.64 m. The estimated production of fruit or seed from the selected stand was approximately 3,549,653 seeds/ha. The potential of such stand as a seed source had advantages and disadvantages. Kilemo stand in Ciwidey had an excellent accessibility, located on the roadside and relatively dense with the total number of trees reached 173 trees/ha. The stand was located in protected forest area so as to use as a source of seed requires the specific policies.