Phenology of some tropical woody landscape species in Kumasi, Ghana. I. Observations on flowering: Fid-Bau Portal

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

Norman, J.C.

AbstractPhenological 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.