Incidental Agroforestry in Honduras: The jicaro tree (Crescentia spp.) and pasture land use

Plant distributions result from a variety of biophysical conditions and, often, human activities. Distributions change depending on numerous factors, such as climate change or the presence of seed dispersal agents. The present distribution of the jicaro (Crescentia alata and Crescentia cujete) or calabash tree in Central America may be the result of several factors, key among them direct human management. Many savanna pastures in Central America have been invaded in recent decades by woody vegetation, mostly as a result of fire suppression and fencing. However, observations reveal that its presence is not merely due to invasion. Humans manage the tree, protecting and encouraging its presence in semi-arid cattle producing landscapes where it serves as food for cattle when the dry season drastically reduces herbaceous forage. This adaptive strategy addresses issues of agroforestry and biodiversity, biomass and carbon sequestration, and the do