Abstract

Loranthaceae are parasite plants which represented in Cameroon by 26 species gathered into seven genera. An ecological and flora study consisting in the research on factors bound to parasitism of Phragmanthera capitata (Sprengel) S. Balle had been led at Ndogbong chief’s compound orchard at Douala (Cameroon). A total of 49 woody plants belonging to 11 species, 9 genera and 8 families were identified. Among these species, 10 were exotic and only one, Spondias mangifera Willd. was indigenous host and most infested. Scatterings of P. capitata were observed to be vertical and horizontal. Two types of hosts had been identified: not infested and the infested ones. Three species are not infested and were called resistants: Dacryodes edulis, Manniophyton fulvum and Mangifera indica. Eight were infested species in the orchard and were called sores: Citrus spp., Garcinia cola, Persea americana, Psidium guajava, Theobroma cacao and Spondias mangifera. Resistant species had possessed 15 woody plants (30.61%) and sore species, 34 plants (69.38%). The consequences of the parasitism of P. capitata in the orchard demonstrate the need for establishing comprehensive ecosystem management programs.

Key words: Phragmanthera capitata, biotic factors, human habits, orchard.