Reutealis trisperma (Blanco) Airy Shaw is one of the vegetable oil producing tree plant species. Its seed kernel contains an average of 50% oil potentially utilized as biofuel. However, least research has been carried out on the morphometric traits of the tree species. Therefore, the present study aimed to characterize and evaluate the performance of eight populations of R. trisperma around Garut Regency, West Java, Indonesia. Tree samples of each population were determined using the purposive non-probability sampling method. Plant variables, including vegetative and generative component traits as well as seed yield, were observed, and all the data were analysed using correlation and multivariate analysis. The results showed no correlation among the populations based on vegetative and yield component traits. The seed kernel weight, which is an important variable also showed no correlation with any other traits. However, two populations of R. trisperma, namely Balong and Cigempol, were distinctively clustered apart from the other six populations. Interestingly, those two populations also showed a higher seed yield for four consecutive years.
R. trisperma, in situ selection, morphometric characterization, multivariate analysis, biofuel.
R. trisperma two populations namely Balong and Cigempol showed a distinct morphological characteristic as well as greater seed yield potential. These findings would enrich the valuable information for future breeding and conservation of this important vegetable oil-producing tree species.