Abstract

This issue contains 3 papers. The first paper is on the study of Pinus patula ssp. tecunumanii [P. tecunumanii], an unknown plantations species in Malawi. Its growth habit, provenance quality, and the seed stands of pure P. patula ssp. tecunumani in Malawi are discussed. The second paper contains the final report about Viphya Forest Industry Trials Project (VFIT). It was established in 1974 to evaluate potential pulp and fuelwood species for the planned pulp mill at Chintheche, making use of pines from Viphya plateau plantations. The VFIT was intended to identify the best species and provenances of pine and eucalyptus for planting. It was proven that P. patula ssp. tecunumanii is superior on wide range of sites. P. oocarpa, P. caribaea and Eucalyptus urophylla have also provided good results. The third paper discusses the cultivation of indigenous trees in Malawi, the masambamfumu (Afzelia quanzensis), a valuable fine hardwood. Its uses, growth habit, distribution, propagation methods, planting method and silvicultural treatments are discussed.