DYNAMICS OF FOREST AND THICKET VEGETATION ON THE ACCRA PLAINS, GHANA

ABSTRACT Aspects of seasonal dynamics, population dynamics, and successional dynamics were investigated in three kinds of woody vegetation which occur on the Accra Plains: dry tropical forest, large thickets, and isolated clumps of thicket. Flowering, fruiting, foliage behaviour, and girth changes show a strong seasonal pattern in the study area; moisture deficits limit phenological activity within the community, although patterns vary among species. Synchrony was high within species in reproductive phenology and girth changes, and was high within the community in foliage behaviour. Synchronous flushing was shown to be a significant mechanism of herbivore escape in species lacking alternative defences such as hairy leaves or chemical deterrents. The success rate of fruit set during the study period was low; this probably resulted from both pollination failure and moisture stress. Girth increments for the year were negative, due to the unusually low rainfall.