Abstract
The Atlantic Forest and Cerrado are domains of Brazil. We should pay more attention to the lesser assessed points in these biomes, as well as to their rocky outcrops. These sites are under great anthropogenic pressure due to the mineral exploitation present. This results in environmental degradation and loss of species that have not yet been studied. In the present study we aimed to characterize the structure and composition of a rocky outcrop in order to provide aids for the creation of protected areas and on the adoption of management techniques in areas degraded by mining activities. In total, we surveyed vegetation and environmental conditions in 10 plots (50 x 2m) allocated in the Environmental Protection Area of Pedra Branca Ecological Sanctuary, MG. We found 60 species distributed within 30 families and 52 genera, and diversity of 2.83 nats/ind. The most important family was Orchidaceae, which was followed by Poaceae, Polypodiaceae, Bromeliaceae and Piperace. The most important species were Cyperus coriifolius, Brasiliorchis picta, Tibouchina heteromalla, Paspalum notatum and Aechmea distichantha. The area has a higher Shannon diversity index (H’) than other quartzite outcrops.
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