Abstract
The savannahs of the state of Amapá have tree species with great economic potential, widely distributed in a mosaic formed by different phytophysiognomies. In this study, differences in functional strategies among individuals of the species Byrsonima crassifolia (L.) Kunth were analyzed in order to understand the different combinations of functional traits exhibited by tree-shrub individuals across the environmental gradient present in a savannah of the state of Amapá. Four leaf functional traits and the maximum height were measured in each individual with diameter above the ground ≥ 5 cm within 24 500-m² plots distributed in three phytophysiognomies: savannah sensu stricto, ‘campo sujo’ (shrub-savannah), and rupestrian savannah. Functional traits of 198 individuals were sampled. Significant differences in the set of functional traits were found among the three phytophysiognomies. Individuals from the rupestrian savannah exhibited a strategy of greater leaf productivity, while those in savannah sensu stricto and ‘campo sujo’ exhibited a strategy of greater conservation of resources. Furthermore, there was a secondary strategy related to leaf size, with more conservative individuals with larger leaves predominating in ‘campo sujo’, and more photosynthetically productive individuals with larger leaves predominating in the rupestrian savannah. It is concluded that the rupestrian savannah can be considered a strategic area for the sustainable management of the studied species.
Published Version
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