Crown-Bole Diameter Relationship of Juniperus Procera (Cedar) and its Application to Stand Density Control and Production Survey in Natural Stands

Abstract

Juniperus procera Hochst. ex Endl (East African Pencil Cedar) is an indigenous ever green dioecious timber tree belonging to the family Cupressaceae. It is a slow growing species but can attain a height of 36 metres. Juniperus procera is widely distributed in drier highland forests of Kenya from 1,100 to 2,500 m above sea level (a.s.l.) and mean annual rainfall of 1,000 to 1,350 mm (Dale and Green- way, 1961). The Cedar crown is distinctly pyramidal in the early stages but spreads out with age. Due to its voluminous size, one tree can produce a relatively large quantity of timber although older trees are often piped due to heartrot fungus, Fomes Juniperinus Fr. The tree's heart wood and sapwood are well distinct both in appearance and utility. The sapwood is white, representing nearly two-thirds of the timber by volume in pole stage trees and is rapidly destroyed by termites. The heartwood is dark red, extremely resistant to termine attack and very durable in the ground.