Data from: Allometric models to estimate leaf area for tropical African broadleaved forests

Extensive and destructive sampling of 61 trees belonging to 13 species spanning all diameter and wood density classes was performed in the semi-deciduous forest of southeastern Cameroon.

For each tree, all leaves were weighed, counted for a subsample of branches and LA measured for 10-50 leaves. Allometric models were calibrated to allow semi-direct estimation at tree- and stand-levels, based on forest inventory data (R²=0.7, bias=21.2%, error=39.5%), also on novel tree metrics allowed by remote-sensing like airborne light detection and ranging (R²=0.63, bias=35.1%, error=58.73). Using twenty-one 1-ha forest inventory plots, stand-level estimations of LAI spanned from 4.42-13.99.