Ann. For. Sci. 48 (1991) 429-441
DOI: 10.1051/forest:19910406

Le goupi (Goupia glabra Aubl), essence forestière d'avenir en Guyane : analyse bibliographique

JF Lacoste^a and DY Alexandre<sup>b

a</sup>  Université de Paris XI, laboratoire d'écologie végétale, CNRS URA 121, Bât 362, 91405 Orsay Cedex
^b  ORSTOM, 213 rue Lafayette, 75480 Paris Cedex 10, France

Résumé - Le goupi (Goupia glabra Aubl) est une essence forestière tropicale à croissance rapide et aux caractéristiques intéressantes. Il présente une remarquable plasticité aux conditions écologiques et notamment aux contraintes édaphiques. Grâce à la physiologie de ses graines qui lui donnent des caractéristiques d'espèce pionnière, le goupi peut envahir rapidement les surfaces mises à nu. L'arbre présente un fût droit et son bois naturellement résistant convient à de multiples usages. Les expériences conduites en Guyane française ont montré que le dégagement précoce de jeunes recrûs forestiers est une méthode sylvicole prometteuse pour obtenir des peuplements enrichis intéressants pourvu que le stock initial de semis naturels soit suffisant.

Abstract - Kopi (Goupia glabra Aubl), a promising timber tree for forestry: a literature review. Kopi (Goupia glabra Aubl) is a fast growing tropical timber tree with interesting features. It exhibits a tremendous versatility to ecological conditions, and notably to soil constraints. Owing to its seed ecophysiology and pioneer characteristics, kopi is able to invade open areas rapidly. The tree possesses a straight bole and its wood, which is naturally long-lasting, is suitable for most purposes. The authors suggest an ecological approach to sylviculture, based mainly on experiments conducted on secondary regrowth in French Guiana. These experiments have shown that the clearing of the early stage of forest regrowth (ie, the removal of a group of undesirable secondary species, eg Cecropia spp, Vismia spp and Solanum spp) could lead to an enriched forest. It has also been noticed that kopi planting could be beneficial for reforestation if economic constraints were not so severe. In this case a nursery of kopi would be the main problem. Finally, it is concluded that early clearing is a promising way of obtaining a valuable stand of secondary forest provided that the initial regrowth is sufficiently rich in timber tree seedlings.

Key words: Goupia glabra / sylviculture / enrichment / ecology / tropical forest

Mots clés : Goupia glabra / sylviculture / enrichissement / écologie / forêt tropicale