Contribution to the phytosociological survey of the primary forests in the NE of Rio Grande do Sul (Brazil)

Abstract

We present the results of a phytosociological survey of the primary forests of different areas in the NE of Rio Grande do Sul (Brazil). The study combines the Braun‐Blanquet’s methodology of collecting phytosociological data with a technique of numerical classification (Average Linkage Clustering based on Euclidean distance). Five associations, five sub‐associations, three alliances, two orders and one phytosociological class are proposed in this paper on the basis of the cluster analysis of 59 phytosociological relevés, and of floristic, biogeographical, bioclimatic, edaphic, and physiognomic data from previous phytosociological studies of Brazil’s forests.