Descriptions of some sandal tree populations in the South West Pacific : consequences for the silviculture of these species and provenances

Many of the islands of the South West Pacific that bear sandal have been visited and the stands described. Mostly the population is depleted, but some stands still exist. Depending on the status of the existing population, several possible management strategies are feasible. The aim is to rebuild stands which are as diverse as possible which will be able to be managed sustainably in a few decades. Some are presently managed with the objective of regular annual heartwood production with an increase of the stock. The observations reported here, especially those regarding shade intensity, can be used to improve the silviculture of the various provenances which differ markedly. Even aspects of seed storage differ, and this demande further investigation. New techniques, which differ significantly from those previously identified for the Ile des Pins provenance, are proposed.