Diversity and Host Range of Loranthaceae in Tombel Sub Division of Cameroon

Abstract

Hemiparasitic vascular plants of the Loranthaceae constitute an important part of biodiversity. Widely distributed throughout the world in tropical and temperate zones, the latter play an important role in the health of local populations.  This study was conducted to explore baseline data on the diversity and host range of Loranthaceae in Tombel Sub-Division, Cameroon. This was achieved through a survey in forty (40) villages to identify species of mistletoe and host plants. Eight (8) species of Loranthaceae were found to parasitize 61 species belonging to 51 genera and 36 families. Phragmanthera capitata and Tapinanthus bangwensis were more frequent and common in the studied sites. The most parasitized host family were Euphorbiaceae, Fabaceae, Rutaceae and Malvaceae with 6, 5, 6 and 4 species each respectively. The most sensitive host species to the parasitism of Loranthaceae was T. cacao (hosting 8 parasitic plants). Mistletoe species with high specificity include: P. nigritana (PSp= 1.63%), T. preusii (PSP=4.91%) and T. ogowensis (PSp=3.72%).