Spatial structure and interactions inter-and intragrowth stages of Milicia excelsa (Welw.) C. C. Berg (Iroko) in the semi-deciduous forest, north-east of Democratic Republic of Congo

This study aims to analyse spatial distribution and interactions that can exist between different Growth stages of Milicia excelsa (Iroko) and also, between its seedlings and adults of other species in order to provide to forest managers a tool for sustainable management of the natural population of this species. A full inventory was carried out in a semi-deciduous and anthropized forest of Central Africa in the north-east of DR Congo in six hectares with the Cartesian coordinates of all tree individual species taken. Data from this inventory were encoded and statistically analysed using the «ads» package of R Software to determine the point processes observed in this habitat. Results showed that Iroko trees have a random spatial distribution with low aggregations in the ecosystem. Individuals of the same growth stage live in aggregate while those of different growth stage have negative interactions (Competition - repulsion) on non-negligible radius. The diametric structure of its individuals is well balanced but showing a regeneration significantly low.