Population Structure, Regeneration Status, and Health Condition of <i>Uapaca kirkiana</i> (Phyllanthaceae) in Perekezi and Kaning'ina Forest Reserves, Northern Malawi

Abstract

ABSTRACT Uapaca kirkiana Müell. Arg. is an ecologically and socioeconomically important indigenous fruit tree of miombo woodlands, valued for food, income, and ecosystem services across rural Malawi. Understanding its population structure is essential for conservation; however, no study has examined its dynamics in Perekezi and Kaning'ina forest reserves, northern Malawi. This study compared the population structure, regeneration, and health condition of U. kirkiana between these ecologically distinct reserves. Fifty circular sample plots were established, 20 in Perekezi and 30 in Kaning'ina. Mature individuals were measured for diameter at breast height (DBH), height, crown diameter, and health condition, while juveniles were counted to assess regeneration. Data were analyzed using independent‐samples t ‐tests and gamma distribution fitting, following normality and variance homogeneity tests. Kaning'ina had significantly larger, older trees (mean DBH = 20.58 ± 9.38 cm) than Perekezi (11.42 ± 5.08 cm; p &lt; 0.001). Perekezi had more healthy trees and greater juvenile abundance, indicating active recruitment. Both sites displayed an inverted J ‐shaped distribution typical of regenerating populations, but Kaning'ina showed recruitment decline linked to urban proximity and disturbance. These findings reveal site‐specific demographic trends and underscore the need for differentiated management, including community‐based protection, to sustain U. kirkiana across northern Malawi's miombo landscapes.