Abstract: In the rainforests of the Guineo-Congolian region, several native tree species have been tested in plantations established with different silvicultural methods and objectives. The results of these experiments remained scattered, hampering our ability to identify the key drivers of variability in survival and growth of planted species. In this study, we carried out a systematic review of the literature. From 45 selected studies, a database was compiled of 89 native tree species planted in different forest types (evergreen, semideciduous and transition). The data included plantation age, survival, height and diameter growth. For each species, information was collected on the planting method (understorey, line planting, gap, degraded area, regrowth and clear-cut), and species functional traits (species guild, dispersal mode, wood density and leaf phenology). Tree survival, height and diameter growth were modelled using linear mixed-effect models. Tree survival depended mainly on plantation age, and mortality was the highest in the seven first years. However, survival did not significantly depend on planting method or species traits. In the study plantations, height and diameter growth depended on planting method and species guild. Diameter growth was negatively correlated with wood density. Pioneer, non-pioneer light-demanding and shade-tolerant species grew faster in diameter when planted in degraded areas and clear-cuts. Pioneer species grew the fastest in gaps. Although we did not find an effect of forest type on tree survival and growth, the variability between sites was substantial. This study provides empirical evidence that planting methods need to be adapted to the species guild.

Key words: Planting, Enrichments, Traits, Growth rates, Survival