Abstract
The biological spectrum and diaspores dispersal syndromes of the species recorded in a stretch of vegetation in a semi-arid region within the Cariri Environment Protection Area, Boa Vista, Paraiba State (northeast) Brazil, are described. Collections were made from fertile specimens, preferentially bearing fruit, over a 15-month period. Life forms and syndromes were determined by field observations using specialized literature. One hundred and sixty-six species, distributed into 123 genera and 41 families, were reported. Abiotic syndromes (autochory and anemochory) represented 69.7% of all syndromes identified, whilst 30.3% of the species were classified as zoochory. In the life form spectrum therophytes represented 27.7% of species, followed by small- and medium-sized phanerophytes (23.5%) and chamaephytes (22.3%). The occurrence of hemicryptophytes (9%), cryptophytes (0.6%) and species that could not be classified according to their life forms was also recorded (16.9%). Results showed that the biological spectrum and the dispersal syndromes are highly relevant to understand the structure and function of this phytocenose, with subsidies for the development of other studies in the semi-arid areas of northeastern Brazil.
Highlights
The strong seasonality in semi-arid regions requires that species adopt strategies for their survival during the driest periods
Certain plant species adapt temporary life forms which produce vegetative buds that are protected until environmental conditions allow the development of the aerial parts (MANTOVANI; MARTINS, 1988)
This close relationship between environmental conditions, prevalent life-forms and a given area has generated a system of vegetation
Summary
The strong seasonality in semi-arid regions requires that species adopt strategies for their survival during the driest periods. Certain plant species adapt temporary life forms which produce vegetative buds that are protected until environmental conditions allow the development of the aerial parts (MANTOVANI; MARTINS, 1988). This close relationship between environmental conditions, prevalent life-forms and a given area has generated a system of vegetation. Proposed by Raunkiaer (1934), the system classifies plants according to forms used to protect their perennating buds during unfavorable seasons, and groups them into five main classes: therophytes, cryptophytes, hemicryptophytes, chamaephytes and phanerophytes, according to their different resistance strategies to environmental conditions.
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