Growth ring response in Paratecoma peroba (Record) Kuhlm. of seasonal semideciduous forest in Southeast Brazil

Abstract

Seasonal climate can influence the radial growth of woody species, resulting in physical indications of regional environmental events that are identifiable through dendrochronological analysis. The objective of this work was to investigate the dendroclimatological potential of the Paratecoma peroba occurring in the last remnant of seasonal semideciduous forest in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, and to characterize the anatomical structure of its growth rings. This important species has a large ecological role in the forest as a late succession but is classified as “Endangered" because it is extensively and illegally exploited due to the use potential of wood. Samples were collected and analyzed using dendrochronological methods and wood anatomy. P. peroba has distinct annual growth rings with diffuse to semi-porous porosity, marginal parenchyma, radial flattening, and greater thickening of the fibre wall in the latewood. It may sometimes present weakly distended rays and a higher frequency of vessels in the initial wood. The analyzed individuals are 30–77 years of age and exhibit a radial increase of 2–4 mm year-1. Our results indicate that precipitation and temperature influence the growth of P. peroba in this forest and that temperature is the climatic factor with the most influence on the growth ring of the species. Given the importance of the species and the study area, knowing its growth rates and the factors that influence it is possible to offer better criteria for managing species and its reforestation for conservation.