Issues Surrounding The Use of Khaya senegalensis: as an Urban Reforestation Tree: Case Cotonou

The cailcédrat (Khaya senegalensis) has been used in urban reforestation in Benin since colonial times and has been planted along several roads and in public squares throughout the country. However, it has been observed that most trees of this species planted in Benin's cities are frequently stripped of their bark and damaged, which jeopardizes their survival and, consequently, their role in urban forestry. We therefore set out to investigate, in the city of Cotonou, the issue of using cailcédrat (K. senegalensis) as a reforestation tree in order to contribute to better monitoring of urban forestry initiatives. This study enabled us to: (i) deepen our understanding of the botanical and ethnobotanical characteristics of K. senegalensis; (ii) identify instances of human damage to the species; and (iii) explore ways to eliminate or at least minimize such damage. Recommendations and future directions have been formulated and deserve detailed analysis by forestry authorities to ensure greater success in urban forestry in Benin.