Floristic Similarity Analysis Research Articles

Relicts of Carrasco in the Tocantins Cerrado: Diversity and Floristic Relationships

Objective: To describe the floristic and structural diversity of the Carrasco in the municipality of Porto Nacional. Theoretical Framework: This study is based on analyzing the floristic diversity, vegetation structure, and floristic similarity to verify its classification as a phytophysiognomy associated with the Cerrado of Tocantins. Method: Fifty plots measuring 10 x 10 meters were allocated. Sampling criteria included circumference ≥ 10 cm at ground level and height ≥ 1 m. The phytosociological data were analyzed using the FITOPAC software. Results and Discussion: A total of 4,110 individuals were found, distributed among 59 species from 37 genera and 22 botanical families. The vegetation showed homogeneity and diversity comparable to other Cerrado areas but with distinct characteristics, such as the presence of lianas and low ecological dominance. The floristic similarity analysis revealed a low similarity between the "Carrasco" and other Cerrado phytophysiognomies, highlighting the uniqueness of this vegetation. Research Implications: The 'Carrasco' possesses unique floristic, structural, and similarity characteristics, being a vegetational relict that justifies its designation as a new phytophysiognomy of Tocantins. Originality/Value: This study contributes to the literature by providing a detailed analysis of the floristic composition of the “Carrasco” phytophysiognomy, a new xerophytic and deciduous phytophysiognomy on sandy soils in the state of Tocantins, highlighting its importance for biodiversity conservation within the Cerrado biome. The relevance of this research is to expand the understanding of the ecological characteristics of this relic, offering essential insights for future conservation and management actions.

TWO HUNDRED YEARS OF BOTANICAL RECORDS: LEGUMINOSAE TREE SPECIES DIVERSITY IN A BRAZILIAN ATLANTIC FOREST HOTSPOT

The Reserva Biológica do Tinguá (REBIO Tinguá) is a protected area in the state of Rio de Janeiro comprising around 26,000 ha of Brazilian Atlantic Forest. We present an updated floristic inventory of Leguminosae tree species in the REBIO Tinguá. Pre-existing herbarium collections and field expeditions carried out in 2021 and 2022 were used as the basis for (i) assembling a comprehensive taxonomically verified checklist of the legumes, (ii) revealing species distribution patterns across the Submontane (‘tingua_s’) and Montane/High Montane Dense Ombrophilous (‘tingua_ma’) Forest physiognomies of the REBIO Tinguá, and (iii) an UPGMA-based floristic similarity analysis to compare the REBIO Tinguá with 28 other areas of Atlantic Forest in Rio de Janeiro state. Of the total 67 legume tree species identified, 35 are endemic to the Atlantic Forest, six are new occurrences for the area, and seven are listed under different threat categories. The legume-based similarity analysis showed clusters that largely reflect the environmental heterogeneity of the region, where ‘tingua_ma’ is grouped with Macaé de Cima, Mendanha and Santo Aleixo, while ‘tingua_s’ is grouped with Paraty Mirim, Pedra Branca, Poço das Antas, Tijuca and REBIO Union. Our study shows that new records can be made for the REBIO Tinguá, despite it being one of the most thoroughly inventoried areas in the state. Our results reinforce the importance of the REBIO Tinguá for biodiversity conservation, because of its great extent, altitudinal amplitude, and above all, its central position in the state, integrating the Mosaico Central Fluminense and the Tinguá–Bocaina biodiversity corridor.

Alien plants from Paraíba (NE-BR): a survey based on secondary data

Currently, alien plants are the second largest loss of biodiversity in the world, second only to direct human exploitation. Therefore, this work aimed to identify in the literature in the literature and databases the exotic and invasive plants occurring in the state of Paraíba, in order to complement the information on these non-native species for the state. Therefore, it was necessary to prepare a general list of species, as well as autoecological information and evaluation of the degree of floristic similarity between the sampled areas. Floristic data were obtained through scientific articles from indexed academic journals and available on virtual platforms. We survey 265 species, distributed in 23 botanical families. The floristic similarity analysis indicated clusters that were not very similar to each other, revealing that these floras, even though they are in close areas, form distinct floristic compositions. The regression analysis also revealed that the similarities between the evaluated areas did not present a significant relationship with the geographic distance. In general, the exotic flora of Paraíba consists mainly of Poaceae, Asteraceae and Fabaceae, as the most representative components. This flora, in general, is composed of species with wide geographic distribution and predominance of autochoric dispersion. Through the results, one can demonstrate the importance of floristic surveys as an important mechanism for understanding the exotic flora of an ecosystem, in addition to providing essential bases for subsequent studies.

NATURAL REGENERATION DYNAMICS IN CAATINGA TREE SUBMITTED TO FOREST MANAGEMENT

This study aimed to evaluate the natural regeneration dynamics in Caatinga subjected to different forest management practices. The work was carried out in the Contendas do Sincorá National Forest, with the predominant vegetation cover being forested steppe savanna. The study area consisted of fixed plots plotted in 2015. The treatments were: control (Con); clear cutting (CC); selective cutting by minimum diameter at breast height ≥ 5 cm; and selective cutting by species. The phytosociological parameters were estimated for each species. The Shannon-Weaver Diversity Index and the Floristic Expansion Index (FEI) were calculated and the Ward method was used for the floristic similarity analysis. A total of 453 individuals were sampled, distributed in 31 species and five morpho-species. Combretum monetaria was highlighted in all treatments and phytosociological parameters. The similarity dendrogram shows that there is floristic similarity between the years 2015 and 2020. The CC treatment obtained the most species with positive FEI in the period from 2015 to 2017, with a result similar to the other treatments in 2020. It is concluded that there was no statistical difference between treatments in relation to diversity after five years of intervention. Stump regrowth was very important at the beginning of regeneration. The floristic similarity between 2015 and 2020 shows a recovery five years after the experiment installation. Management practices did not have a negative impact on the floristic richness of natural regeneration, demonstrating that the area recovers well even with the interference made in the area. Keywords : Steppe savanna, Floristic Expansion Index, Phytosociology.

Checklist of Angiosperms of a Cerrado Environmental Protection Area in the State of Maranhão, Brazil: floristic composition and new occurrences

This study presents an updated checklist of angiosperms from the Inhamum Municipal Environmental Protection Area (IMEPA), municipality of Caxias, a strategic area for understanding the Cerrado flora in the State of Maranhão, Brazil. The data presented provides information on the most representative taxa, number of collections, physiognomies of occurrence, life forms, endemicity to Brazil, new records for the State and a floristic similarity analysis with other Cerrado areas in this State. A total of 16 field excursions were carried out from January 2018 to June 2019, with random collections of fertile specimens made mostly on trails. We found 228 species of angiosperms distributed in 148 genera and 50 families. The most representative family was Leguminosae, with 54 species and 33 genera. Cyperus (Cyperaceae) was the most representative genus with seven species. A total of 40 species are endemic to Brazil, and ten are new occurrences for the State of Maranhão. The similarity analysis showed that the composition of angiosperm species from IMEPA is closer to that from the Buriti do Meio Environmental Protection Area, another conservation unit located in the same mesoregion within the State of Maranhão. Nonetheless, low similarity values were recorded, demonstrating an exclusive local richness in the analyzed areas. This study contributed to the knowledge of the Cerrado flora from the State of Maranhão, filling in the Cerrado diversity gaps in Northern Brazil.

Tree component analysis in a savanna-forest ecotone area of Minas Gerais state, Brazil

Ecotones are transition areas characterized by environmental complexity and high biodiversity. In this sense, carrying out a floristic survey and characterization of each phytoecological region is necessary. Thus, we analyzed the floristic composition, horizontal and vertical structure, and dispersal syndromes of the woody community in an ecotone of cerrado sensu stricto and seasonal deciduous forest. Likewise, we proceeded with the floristic similarity analysis to evaluate the study area’s similarities to the vegetation of cerrado sensu stricto and seasonal deciduous forest. A total of 919 individuals from 19 families, 43 genera, and 49 species were sampled. The tree community has an average height of 4.12 m, a species diversity of 3.03 nats.ind-1, and a Pielou equitability index of 0.77. The predominant dispersion syndrome was anemochory. The vegetation formed floristic groups with the cerrado sensu stricto. The environmental gradient that determines the occurrence of transition vegetation makes each remnant unique in terms of species and structure, demonstrating the importance of these areas for the biodiversity conservation.

Floristic similarity of remanescents from cerrado in north regions of the legal Amazo

Considering the abundance of species from the Cerrado domain and especially from the cerrado sensu stricto phytophysiognomy, studies to analyze and better understand this richness become important. Therefore, in order to better understand and understand this richness and diversity, the study was carried out in five areas of cerrado sensu stricto belonging to three regions in the north of the Legal Amazon. The objective was to analyze the floristic composition of shrub-tree species of remnants of cerrado sensu stricto located in different regions and municipalities of Tocantins, in addition to comparing the similarity between the areas. Forty-three sampling plots of 10x100 m were installed, totaling 4.3 hectares. Area 1 - eight plots of 10x100 m, totaling 0.8 ha, in the central-west region, in Monte do Carmo. Area 2 - eight plots of 10x100 m, totaling 0.8 ha, in the central-west region, in Santa Rita do Tocantins. Area 3 - ten plots of 10x100 m, totaling 1.0 ha, in the central region, in Divinópolis do Tocantins. Area 4 - ten plots of 10x100 m, totaling 1.0 ha, in the Jalapão State Park region, in Santa Rita do Tocantins and Area 5 - seven plots of 10x100 m, totaling 0.7 ha, in the Jalapão State Park region, in Mateiros . All individuals were sampled with circumference at breast height ≥ 20 cm, measured at 1.30 m from the ground. In the five areas of cerrado sensu stricto, a total of 7,069 individuals, 264 species, belonging to 110 genera, included in 46 families, were found. The matrix for the analysis of floristic similarity encompassed 264 species recorded in the five areas of cerrado sensu stricto, being area 1 (A1) 88 species, area 2 (A2) 53 species, area 3 (A3) 45 species, area 4 (A4) 62 species and area 5 (A5) 16 species. The heterogeneity observed between the areas evaluated indicates that the species of this cerrado physiognomy are characterized by the spatial distribution in “mosaics”, with a maximum limit of 100 species per studied area, and even the existing populations in nearby areas are floristically and structurally differentiated.

The vascular flora of Porto Ferreira State Park: an ecotonal area in São Paulo State, southeastern Brazil

Abstract: The Porto Ferreira State Park (PFSP) is located in the State of São Paulo southeastern Brazil, in an intriguing transitional area between the Atlantic Forest and Cerrado - both hotspots of biodiversity - represented mainly by the cerradão (CER), and the seasonal semideciduous forest (SSF), with its alluvial variation vegetation type (riparian forest - RP). Ecotonal areas play an important role in providing ecological and phytogeographic knowledge regarding the flora and vegetation of this region. Despite various studies on the PFSP, knowledge of this region remains fragmented. In this study, we aim to conduct an updated checklist of the PFSP vascular flora, including a compilation of all the studies conducted in this protected area, plus field work carried out by the authors from 2014 to 2017. In addition, given its ecotonal characteristics, we completed a floristic similarity analysis between the PFSP and other floristic surveys that examined the same vegetation types present in this study, to gain a better understanding of their phytogeographic relationships. Overall, 684 species, belonging to 387 genera and 107 families, were recorded. The SSF presented the richest vegetation type (478 species), followed by the CER (418) and the RP (231). The most diverse families were Fabaceae (64 species), Myrtaceae (41), Orchidaceae (39), Rubiaceae (37), Asteraceae (35), Bignoniaceae (26) and Malvaceae (20). Moreover, eight threatened species, at regional and national levels, were found. To date, 412 species have been added to the floristic list produced for the PFSP. The life forms with the highest number of species were trees (286 species), herbs (176) plus shrubs and subshrubs (123). Our research findings indicate floristic patterns with higher levels of similarity among species in geographical proximity, including those in ecotonal areas encompassing different vegetation types. These results rank the PFSP among some of the most species-rich conservation units with seasonal climates, and therefore is of great importance for plant conservation in the southeast of Brazil.

Using forestry inventories and satellite imagery to assess floristic variation in bamboo‐dominated forests in Peruvian Amazonia

AbstractQuestionsDoes the floristic composition of trees differ between bamboo forests and adjacent non‐bamboo forests? Can the degree of compositional differences be predicted from differences in canopy reflectance as measured by Landsat satellites? Are the results sensitive to different taxonomical data cleaning strategies, or to which tree‐size class is considered? Are some tree taxa associated with either bamboo or non‐bamboo forests?LocationPeruvian Amazonia.MethodsWe used national forestry inventory data to characterise floristic composition of trees at 25 sites. Bamboo and non‐bamboo forests were identified with a pixel‐based time series analysis using the entire Landsat TM/ETM+ archive. To visualise floristic similarity among the plots, we used non‐metric multidimensional scaling. Floristic differences between bamboo and non‐bamboo forests were tested using an analysis of similarity (ANOSIM). Mantel tests were used to assess correlation between floristic turnover and differences in canopy reflectance. We tested the impact of applying three different taxonomic data cleaning strategies and of analysing different tree‐size classes. Finally, we ran an indicator species analysis to identify taxa that were associated with either bamboo or non‐bamboo forests.ResultsIn floristic ordinations, bamboo‐dominated forests appeared floristically distinct from non‐bamboo forests regardless of the taxonomic cleaning strategy and tree‐size class. This floristic separation was also confirmed through analysis of floristic similarity (ANOSIM). Turnover in floristic composition was strongly correlated with differences in the reflectance values of Landsat bands, especially when using genus‐level rather than species‐level data. Different palm taxa were associated with bamboo (Socratea) and non‐bamboo forests (Iriartea).ConclusionsFloristic differences of trees between bamboo‐dominated and non‐bamboo forests are consistent enough to be observable with different tree‐size classes and taxonomic cleaning strategies. Although coarsening the taxonomic resolution to the genus level may hide ecological detail from the results, the fact that it allows keeping incompletely identified stems in the analyses seems to compensate for this.

Riqueza, estrutura e relações ambientais em uma Floresta Nacional no Sudeste do Brasil

Because of forest fragmentation, the edge effect can lead to changes in the plant community. This study was carried out in conservation units remaining of Semidecidual Seasonal Forest in Espirito Santo Southern State. The objective was to describe the floristic composition, tree structure and microclimate in border and interior areas of the forest fragment. For data collection, 39 fixed area plots were demarcated on the border and in the interior. All individuals with DBH > 5 cm were sampled. There were 167 species in the border and 314 in the interior, being 73 exclusive for edge and 220 for interior. The analysis of floristic similarity, based on the Sorensen index, is an indicator of the distinction between the species of the border and the interior of the fragment. Air and soil temperatures tend to be higher at the edges and lower in the interior, while the relative humidity of the air exhibits opposite behavior. Considering the importance of the environment and highlighting the significant vegetal richness in the studied fragment, it is justified the need of this area to be prioritized in management and conservation programs of the vegetation in the region, especially in forest border environments.

The effects of different mowing regimes on diversity of grasses in lowland meadows

This study addresses the question of how changing the mowing regime influences the floristic composition and floristic diversity of grasses in an experimental lowland meadow. The study location is Bia?owie?a Forest, NE Poland. To achieve the aim we used phytosociological data from long-term studies in Bia?owie?a Forest on the course of secondary succession. The relationship between the biodiversity of grasses and type of mowing was determined using statistical analysis. Changes in the dominance and frequency of individual grass species have occurred during the last 28 years of observations. The analysis of floristic similarity demonstrated a turnover of species between the individual years of observation. Principal component analysis showed that the change in mowing method resulted in a change of the species composition, cover, and domination. However, differences in the intensity of disturbance level were rather small (one cut yearly by scythe, by sickle bar mower, and by trimmer), and changes in floristic composition were also moderate in most years. During the initial years (1984?1990), Dactylis glomerata, Agrostis gigantea, and Anthoxanthum odoratum dominated. After 1990, Arrhenatherum elatius and Holcus lanatus spread and took over, with Trisetum flavescens joining them later. Between 2008 and 2012 the cover of Dactylis glomerata increased more than two times. The reasons for the floristic transformations were changes in the management mode, e.g., the transition from mowing by scythe (medium disturbance) to mechanized mowing, first by sickle bar mower (strong disturbance) and then by trimmer (weak disturbance).

A FLORISTIC SURVEY OF FERNS AND LYCOPHYTES ASSOCIATED WITH SEMI-DECIDUOUS FOREST REMNANTS IN SOUTHERN BRAZIL

The richness of ferns and lycophytes associated with the semi-deciduous forests of southern Brazil remains poorly known. Addressing this situation, the richness of lycophytes and ferns in 11 semi-deciduous forest remnants, located in the northwestern region of Rio Grande do Sul State, Brazil, is presented. In total, four species of lycophytes (two families and two genera) and 88 species of ferns (15 families and 44 genera) were recorded. The most diverse families were Pteridaceae and Polypodiaceae, with 18 and 17 species respectively; Asplenium (10 spp.) was the most diverse genus. Among the recorded species, only Dicksonia sellowiana is cited in the Brazilian List of Threatened Plant Species. Most of the surveyed species have a broad distribution, occurring in South America (44.6%) and Tropical America (32.6%). The surveyed remnants showed intermediate species richness in relation to other areas previously studied in the state of Rio Grande do Sul, except for Parque Estadual do Turvo, where 81 species were recorded. The floristic similarity analysis shows that the Parque Estadual do Turvo is the most dissimilar area, presenting a high number (28) of exclusive species. The observed high value of the cophenetic correlation coefficient (0.968), indicate a small distortion between the similarity matrix and multidimensional space shown in the dendrogram. The present study constitutes an important contribution to the knowledge of the richness of ferns and lycophytes occurring in semi-deciduous forests in southern Brazil.

Forest Structure and the Species Composition of the Parque Estadual Mata Atlântica, Located in Goiás State, Brazil

The Parque Estadual Mata Atlântica (PEMA), Goiás state, Brazil, is an Atlantic Forest reserve which has not been studied yet. The aims were to investigate plant biodiversity and characterize the flora to support the management plan. We adopt the point-centered quarter method to inventory the tree-shrub and lianas with the diameter at breast height more than or equal to 5 cm. The study was performed through 1.86 km of transect with 187 sampled points. We sampled 748 individuals and identified 109 species, 82 genera, and 51 families. The Shannon-Wiener diversity index (H′) was 3.97, and Pielou’s evenness (J) was 0.846, both considered high. The Fabaceae family was the most diverse with 20 species. Aspidosperma polyneuron, an endangered tree species, had greater relative dominance and importance value. The floristic similarity analysis indicated that the PEMA vegetation belongs to the seasonal forest, currently very fragmented and degraded. Due to several anthropogenic threats, we suggest the following recommendations: prevent the exploitation of species, avoid hunting, control invasive grasses, prevent forest fires, and promote environmental education. This study demonstrates the importance of PEMA for species conservation. Therefore, this study is essential for the development of management plan and the conservation of PEMA biodiversity.

ANÁLISE FITOGEOGRÁFICA DA FLORA ARBUSTIVO-ARBÓREA EM ECÓTONO NO PLANALTO DA BODOQUENA, MS, BRASIL

O estabelecimento de prioridades na conservação dos ecossistemas terrestres remete à necessidade de conhecimento acerca da diversidade destes ambientes, especialmente no bioma Cerrado e suas zonas de transição florística, já que se encontram em elevado estágio de degradação. Com este cenário, este estudo objetivou realizar o inventário florístico de um fragmento florestal sobre área de tensão ecológica no Planalto da Bodoquena, MS, Brasil, e avaliar suas relações fitogeográficas com outras florestas estacionais e cerrados do Centro-Oeste e Sudeste do Brasil. Foram amostradas 102 parcelas contíguas de 10 x 10 m (100 m2). O critério de inclusão foi o perímetro a altura do peito (PAP) ≥ 15 cm. Na análise de similaridade florística foi aplicado o coeficiente de Sorensen, adotando-se o método de ligação pela média de grupo (UPGMA), em que se calculou o grau de similaridade de 26 listas florísticas. Das 96 espécies ocorrentes neste levantamento, 91 foram identificadas em nível específico, e, destas, 80,2% (73) foram encontradas em um ou mais estudos das áreas analisadas, com maior ocorrência em Floresta Estacional Decidual (FED) (54), seguida por Floresta Estacional Semidecidual (FES) (47) e cerradão (46). Os resultados mostraram agrupamento da área de estudo com as FED de Minas Gerais em nível de 30%, revelando baixa similaridade. Devido à baixa similaridade florística entre as áreas analisadas, estas são caracterizadas pela sua elevada diversidade beta.

Diversidad, estructura y afinidades florísticas de un bosque temporalmente inundable de la Península de Yucatán

Temporarily flooded forests (TFF’s) are among the most endangered tree communities in Southeast Mexico and in a contradictory way among the least known in terms of their diversity. Therefore, the aim of this study was to characterize the richness, diversity (Shannon-Wiener) and dominance (relative importance value; RIV) of a TFF of the Yucatan Peninsula, and evaluate its floristic affinities with other TFF’s and upland forests (UF’s) of Southeast Mexico. A sampling method based on 10 quadrants of 10 x 20 m (2 000 m2) was used to record all woody individuals with diameter ≥ 1 cm and height ≥ 1.5 m. A floristic similarity analysis was used including 192 genera of woody plants belonging to TFF’s and UF’s of the Yucatan and Tabasco TFF’s. A Mantel correlation test was performed to determine if the geographic distance has effect on the floristic similarities between TFF’s and UF´s of the Yucatan peninsula. The TFF under study was characterized with a low level of diversity (2.79) and species richness (56), and a high dominance level (52.3 % of RIV in five species). Dominant species such as Haematoxylum campechianum, Dalbergia glabra, Cameraria latifolia, Byrsonima crassifolia, Crescentia cujete and Terminalia buceras showed a floristic neotropical affinity typical of floodable habitats. The structure of the community was characterized by an inverted "J" pattern for the distribution of individuals in the diametric and height classes. The high density of woody lianas, mainly of Dalbergia glabra (22 % of the recorded individuals) suggested an optimal state of conservation of the studied area. The floristic similarity analysis revealed that most of TFF’s in Yucatan Peninsula were grouped with high similarity (55 %) independently of the adjacent UF’s; however, TFF´s resulted similar among them (36 % similarity) when compared with TFF’s from other regions (16 % similarity). According to the Mantel test, the similarity between sites is not influenced by its geographical proximity (r = -0.098, p>0.05). This emphasizes the need to generate conservation strategies for the TFF's of the Yucatan peninsula independently from other regions of Southeast Mexico. Our results suggest that the TFF of the studied region has a similar diversity from other TFF’s in Southeast Mexico, a different floristic composition compared with adjacent UF’s and a structure with an optimal conservation status, characteristics that indicate their importance for the regional flora conservation. Further ecological studies are needed to build a solid foundation for management and conservation for the TFF’s.

Bat species diversity and distribution in a disturbed regime at the Lake Bogoria National Reserve, Kenya

AbstractHuman population growth drives intrusion and progressive conversion of natural habitats for agriculture. We evaluated human impacts on bat species diversity and distribution among four vegetation types in and around Lake Bogoria National Reserve between November 2012 and July 2013. Plants were surveyed using the Braun–Blanquet cover/abundance method, whereas bats were sampled using standard mist nets erected on poles at ground level. Floristic similarity analysis revealed three broad vegetation assemblages, namely riverine vegetation, farmland and Acacia woodland/Acacia–Commiphora woodland. Two hundred and 33 bats representing eleven species in eleven genera and seven families were recorded. These were Epomophorus minimus, Rhinolophus landeri, Hipposideros caffer, Cardioderma cor, Lavia frons, Nycteris hispida, Chaerephon pumilus, Mops condylurus, Neoromicia capensis, Scotoecus hirundo and Scotophilus dinganii. Species richness estimators indicated that sampling for bats at ground level was exhaustive. Bat species richness and diversity were highest in the more structurally complex Acacia woodland compared to more homogenous farmlands where we recorded only common and generalist species that often occur in open habitats. The higher bat species richness and diversity in the Acacia woodland as compared to farmland underscore the importance of remnant natural savannah woodlands in the conservation of bats and other elements of biodiversity.

Similitud florística y síndromes de dispersión en un afloramiento rocoso de la región semiárida del noreste de Brasil

Floristic studies provide valuable information on species richness in a region, and are particularly important if these areas belong to less studied environments, such as rocky outcrops, that may increase our knowledge. An important aspect for species colonization includes the mechanisms of diaspores dispersal in each community; these are essential to understand its structure, dynamics, and the regeneration process, and constitute an important tool for conservation. We developed a floristic survey on a granite-gneiss outcrop with the objective to increase the knowledge on plant diversity, through a floristic similarity analysis and detection of dispersal syndromes of sampled species, in a semi-arid region of Brazil. The fieldwork included collection and observation of the botanical material in loco during a period of 12 months. A total of 161 species belonging to 127 genera and 50 families of angiosperms were recorded. Fabaceae, Asteraceae and Convolvulaceae were the most representative families in number of species. Allophylus quercifolius (Mart.) Radlk. (Capparaceae) and Lafoensia pacari A. St.-Hil. (Lythraceae) represented new records for the State of Paraiba. The autochoric syndrome was the most representative, with 51.5 % of the recorded species; the anemochory was the second most representative syndrome with 26.7 % of the species; and finally the zoochory, representing 22.3 % of the species. The floristic similarity dendrogram showed the formation of three well-defined groups, whose area with the highest value (J = 33.2) is located in a Caatinga region called Cariri Paraibano, while the lowest value observed (J = 5.2), occurred in a settled area in two geomorphological units, a crystalline complex and a plateau region. These results may be due to the varying topographic conditions and edaphic heterogeneity arising from the specific geological formation of the region. These results yet demonstrate that, in rocky outcrops, abiotic syndromes represent an effective dispersion of its diaspores, favoring plant specie's colonization dynamics.

Asteraceae dos Campos Rupestres das Serras da Bocaina e de Carrancas, Minas Gerais, Brasil

ResumoEste trabalho consiste no levantamento florístico de Asteraceae nos Campos Rupestres das Serras da Bocaina e de Carrancas que estão localizadas no Planalto Alto Rio Grande, no sul de Minas Gerais, bem como uma análise de similaridade florística com outras áreas serranas do Planalto Brasileiro. O levantamento florístico foi realizado em 11 áreas localizadas nas Serras da Bocaina e de Carrancas. A similaridade florística foi realizada entre outras 17 áreas de Campos de Minas Gerais, São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro e Bahia. Neste levantamento florístico, a família apresentou 117 espécies, distribuídas em 43 gêneros pertencentes a 14 tribos. Os gêneros que têm maior riqueza de espécies sãoBaccharis(14), Lessingianthus(10),Mikania(8) e Chromolaena(8). As Serras da Bocaina e de Carrancas apresentaram maior similaridade florística com a Serra da Canastra, Serra de São José e Toca dos Urubus, enquanto a menor similaridade apresentada foi com a Serra dos Órgãos. Não houve correlação significativa em relação à similaridade florística e a distância geográfica entre as áreas analisadas. As relações na composição florística entre os grupos formados provavelmente estão relacionadas com aspectos geomorfológicos, edáficos, climáticos, além da influência vegetacional dos domínios fitogeográficos onde estes campos estão inseridos.

Floristics and Reproductive Phenology of Trees and Bushes in Central West Brazil.

Environmental conditions such as temperature, soil, photoperiodic factors and precipitation can determine the physical environment favoring the occurrence of given species and interfere with the reproductive period of plants. This work involved monthly excursions to a slope in the Serra de Maracaju between December 2009 and November 2010. Samples were collected in eight 25 x 50 m plots, transverse to the slope, totaling 1 ha sampled. Floristic richness included 79 species distributed into 58 genera and 31 families. Floristic Similarity Analysis and Principal Component Analysis showed the occurrence of two plant formations on the slope: seasonal deciduous forest and cerradão on the eutrophic soil of the slope. Flowering and fruiting occured in the rainy season; correlation with rainfall, mean temperature and photoperiod were negative for flowering and positive for fructification. Trees and bushes presented uniform flowering and a moderately seasonal fructification, which is unexpected in seasonal environments. We discuss the implications of the patterns found and make comparisons with others studies.

Flora vascular da Serra da Pedra Branca, Caldas, Minas Gerais e relações florísticas com áreas de altitude da Região Sudeste do Brasil

Serra da Pedra Branca (SPB) is a mountain range located in the Southwestern portion of the state Minas Gerais, in the municipality of Caldas (21°58′-21°55′S, 46°24′-46°22′W). It is a striking feature in the landscape, between 1100 and 1780 m.s.m., in a region that is part of the Atlantic Forest Domain and is considered as a priority area for conservation of the flora in Minas Gerais state. The vegetation is composed by a mosaic of “campo de altitude” (which occupy the greatest extension in the area), Seasonal Semidecidual Montane Forest, Dense Ombrophilous High-Montane Forest and Mixed Ombrophilous Forest. The aims of this study was the elaboration of a floristic survey of SPB added to the specimens collected by Anders Fredrik Regnell in the nineteenth century in Caldas and to analyze its floristic similarity with altitude areas of the Southeastern Region of Brazil. There were recorded 502 vascular plant species, distributed in 274 genera and 100 families. The majority of recorded species present herbaceous habit, terricolous, saxicolous and/or rupicolous (representing around 58% of recorded species), predominantly occurring in the “campo de altitude” (ca. 46%). The richest families were Polypodiaceae (20 spp.) and Dryopteridaceae (10 spp.) among the ferns, and Orchidaceae (56 spp.), Asteraceae (27 spp.) and Fabaceae (26 spp.) among the angiosperms. Just one species of gymnosperm was recorded, Araucaria angustifolia (Bertol.) Kuntze (Araucariaceae). Five new records were made for the Minas Gerais flora, 13 species are cited as threatened with extinction in the state and at least six are endemic to SPB. Amongst 127 species collected in XIX century in the region, only 29 collected again, while 375 new records were made for SPB. The analysis of floristic similarity performed between the flora of SPB and other altitude areas of Southeastern Region revealed isolation of SPB in relation to other areas, highlighting its floristic peculiarity, which can probably be explained by its location in a distinct hydrographic basin. The vegetation of the SPB must be considered as endangered since the presence of endemic species and/or threatened species, associated with local environmental conditions suffering accelerated rate of destruction, highlight the need for urgent actions to preserve local biodiversity.