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ABSTRACT
Anthocephalus chinensis is a fast growing tree species. In Assam, India it is grown under line and block plantation. Wood is used for various purposes such as for light construction, packing cases, manufacture of plywood, etc. A. chinensis is also used by rural people for firewood in the area. A study on growth and biomass production of A. chinensis in a high density plantation (2,500 trees/ha) trial was conducted. Thirty six months after planting, trees reached 5.3 m high and 9.4 cm collar diameter on average. Total biomass (dry weight) produced at age of 12, 24 and 36 months was 0.71 t/ha, 12.3 t/ha, and 35.8 t/ha respectively. There are good prospects for major productivity gains through research on optimum spacing and on genetic improvement, as in this experiment one spacing only was tested and the planted trees originated from locally collected seeds with no selection. A. chinensis thus appears as a good candidate for high density plantations for fuelwood in Assam rural areas where natural forests have been over-exploited.