The Branching Behaviour And Silvicultural Potential Of Pterocarpus Indicus Using Small Cuttings

Abstract

Although angsana is commonly planted as a roadside tree by large cuttings, little research has been conducted either on a trial basis or in plantations. A study was initiated to evaluate its branching behaviour and subsequently to recommend proper pruning regimes with respect to maximisation of the branch growth; anatomical features; and silvicultural potential using small cuttings. The branching behaviour in angsana showed that the trees in UPM produced more coppicing branches and a higher level of branch orders as compared to Kuala Lumpur trees. A range of one to five coppicing branches and one to three branch orders were obtained in UPM trees while in Kuala Lumpur, one to five and one to three respectively were obtained. These trees attain bigger diameter and length in coppicing branches, ranging from one to three, and branch orders ranging from one to five, thus producing