Tree Shrub Species Research Articles

Multiple use of Shrubble-Arboreaal Species of a Cerrado Fragment, Northern Region of the Legal Amazon

Objective: This research aimed to evaluate the floristic composition and the potential of shrub-tree species in a fragment of cerrado sensu stricto, in the northern region of the Legal Amazon. Method: In an area of ​​Cerrado sensu stricto, the inventory was carried out using the fixed area sampling method. With this, all shrub-tree species with a diameter ≥ 10 cm were measured and phytosociological analyses, dyspesion syndrome and diameter distribution were determined. Result and Conclusion: According to the variables analyzed, it was possible to observe the establishment of new individuals in the diameter classes of 1 to 8.1 cm and 8.2 to 16.3 cm, therefore it can be seen that the species are part of the same ecological groups, that is, early and late, thus indicating high regenerative value due to the high entry of individuals, which allows a favorable ascension to mature successional stages. Researchimplications: Research related to phytosociological studies, dispersion syndrome and diametric distribution of shrub-arboreal species is of utmost importance to assess the diversity of Cerrado areas, mainly given the fact that it is the biome that is most currently being suppressed. Originality/value: The potential for using the Cerrado's phytodiversity is extremely important and due to agricultural development, species may disappear, in this way, the aim is to increase the level of knowledge of Cerrado species. With this, determine the timber and non-timber potential, in addition to relating dispersal syndromes and diameter distribution, in order to characterize the regenerative potential of these species.

Structural Analysis of Shrub – Tree Species in Yobe State, North Eastern Nigeria

The study examined the structural characteristics of shrub-tree species in Nangere, Yobe State, Northeastern Nigeria. Ten sampling point of quadrant size 200 by 100 meters were considered and five quadrants were randomly selected for the sampling using table of random number. Plant physical parameters such as the height, crown cover, diameter breast height (DBH), the volume of the tree and girth of the tree were measured on the field. The data obtained from the field were subjected to statistical analysis using correlation coefficient. The volume of tree is considered to be dependent variable height; girth, crown cover and diameter at breast (DBH) were considered to be independent variables. From the result, the height of the trees ranges from 3.25 m to 17.71 m, the girth 0.39 m to 8.00 m, the crown cover 1.20 m to 30.20 m, DBH 0.32 m to 7.20 m and the volume of the trees ranges from 2.06 m3 to 215.03 m3 . The result of the analyses revealed that there is a strong and positive correlation between the height of the trees and volume of the trees, the girth and volume of the trees, the crown cover and volume of the trees as well as the DBH and volume of the trees. The joint contributions of the four parameters (height, girth, crown cover and DBH of the trees) on the volume of the trees in the study area shows that R2 obtained for quadrant one, three, four and five are 0.99, 0.64, 1 and 1.00 respectively implying that the combined contribution of the parameters to the volume of trees in the study area was very high.

Chemical composition and energy potential of woody species in dry forest: subsidies for sustainable forest management

Energy demand, especially in developing countries, is partly supplied by firewood and charcoal from natural forests. However, there are not always previous studies of energy quality, with implications for forest management. This study aimed to characterize the energy potential of the wood of six shrub-tree species from the Caatinga and the influence of the circumference class on their chemical properties and energy potential to subsidize forest management. Thus, Anadenanthera colubrina var. cebil (Angico), Cenostigma bracteosum (Catingueira), Cnidoscolus quercifolius (Faveleira), Mimosa ophthalmocentra (Jurema branca), Mimosa tenuiflora (Jurema preta) and Aspidosperma pyrifolium (Pereiro) from an area of ??Dry Forest (Caatinga) in Floresta, Pernambuco state, Brazil, were analyzed. Each species had three individuals sampled in five circumference classes (I a V) at 1.30 m from the ground. Carbon, hydrogen, nitrogen, insoluble lignin, and ash contents, as well as higher and lower calorific values, apparent and energetic densities and energy production were evaluated. Then, a completely randomized design in a factorial arrangement (species x circumference classes) with three replications, and comparison of means (Tukey’s test, p < 0.05) were considered in the statistical analysis. A Cluster analysis was also performed aiming at joint analysis of variables. The results showed that the biomass of M. ophthalmocentra and M. tenuiflora have the highest energy density and amount of energy per unit of mass. C. quercifolius and A. pyrifolium were lower when compared to the other species. In addition, M. ophthalmocentra, M. tenuiflora, A. colubrina and C. bracteosum stood out for energy generation. Classes IV and V can be indicated as biomass for combustion, while class I has disadvantages due to higher nitrogen content and lower upper and lower calorific values.

Structure, survival, and species diversity in a tropical dry forest submitted to coppicing

The Caatinga is a tropical dry forest. Rational exploitation of Caatinga wood resources consists of sustainable forest management under coppice systems. Therefore, the recovery of the timber stock for the next cycle will depend on the regrowth and survival capacity of the exploited species, as well as on the future structure of the forest. The objective of this work was to characterize the survival, structure, and diversity of Caatinga submitted to coppicing under sustainable forest management comparing pre- and post-harvest conditions. Permanent plots were installed in a Caatinga in the municipality of Floresta-PE, Brazil, in 2013, and measured 2 years after clearcutting. Height and circumference at the base (CAB) of the stumps and shoots were obtained for two situations: pre-cut (grouping by live and dead stumps) and (ii) post-cut (shoots on only live stumps). In addition, all individual shrub-tree species (CAB ≥ 4 cm) not included in the post-cut situation were identified, measured (CAB and height total) and tagged as persisting (6 cm ≤ CAB) or growing (6 < CAB ≤ 4 cm) in 2015. The survival and mortality of the stumps were quantified, as well as changes in the horizontal structure and floristic diversity. There was a decrease in the number of species 2 years after cutting, mainly due to the loss of Croton rhamnifolius H. B. K. and Sapium glandulatum (Vell.) Pax and predominance of Cenostigma bracteosum (Tul.) E. Gagnon & G. P. Lewis, Aspidosperma pyrifolium Mart., and Cnidoscolus quercifolius Pohl., resulting in a greater number of individuals of a few species. The outstanding regrowth capacity of these three species indicates that the forest remnant under study may eventually consist of populations with a predominance of species capable of coppicing.

Lacistema ligiae (Lacistemataceae), a new species from Chapada Diamantina, Bahia, Brazil, with notes on micromorphology

The Flora Neotropica treatment of Flaucourtiaceae s.l., by Sleumer, was a milestone in the study of the group and, consequently, of the families that were subsequently segregated from Flaucourtiaceae. Of these, Lacistemataceae comprise 16 tree-shrub species that usually occur in humid forests. However, specimens from campos rupestres in Bahia State, Brazil, were not analyzed by Sleumer so some morphological variation remained unnoticed. Here, we describe Lacistema ligiae, a new species from the campos rupestres of Bahia, and include notes on leaf venation and pollen morphology of related species. Lacistema ligiae can be recognized by leaf blades with sinuous secondary veins, which are covered by long and adpressed trichomes abaxially, hairy filament and ovary, and a distinct style not exceeding the height of the stamen.

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.

Diversity and Structure of Natural Regeneration in Swamp Forests in Southeastern Brazil

Many factors can influence the structures and distributions of plant communities. Plant diversity of swamp forests reflect responses to water stress conditions. We evaluated the floristic diversity, structure, and composition of the regenerating shrub-tree species of six swamp forests in veredas ecosystems (northern Minas Gerais, Brazil), and the floristic similarities between them. All individuals ≥ 1 cm in diameter at ground level and < 3 cm in diameter at breast height were sampled in one hundred 25 m2 plots in each area. A total of 5442 individuals were recorded, distributed among 134 species, 85 genera, and 47 botanical families, with a diversity (Shannon) of 3.38 and equability (Pielou) of 0.69. Beta diversity was high, while similarities between the areas were low, with only two species common to all six sites. The forests showed different compositions, diversities, and natural regeneration structures, reflecting their ecotone nature and past anthropic impacts.

Phenology and dispersal syndromes of woody species in deciduous forest fragments of the Pantanal in Mato Grosso do Sul State, Brazil

ABSTRACT We analyzed the phenological responses of shrub-tree species of lowland deciduous (LDF) and submontane deciduous (SFD) forests in the Pantanal, and assessed their relationships with climatic factors at the community level and with strategies for seed dispersal. Vegetative and reproductive phenophases of 50 tree-shrub species were monitored monthly (12 months), and their relationship with climatic variables was tested using multiple linear regression. Time of leaf budding differed between areas for autochoric species and between autochoric and anemochoric species at LDF. Leaf fall in communities and functional groups was seasonal and highly synchronous during the dry season (95 % of species). Leaf budding peaked at the end of the dry season with > 80 % synchrony. In general, the species presented low synchrony or asynchrony for flowering phenophases, while fruiting phenophases were weakly seasonal but differed between functional groups. Temperature and precipitation were the regulating factors of vegetative phenophases in LDF, while daylength regulated them in SDF. Abiotic factors only influenced flowering phenophases at the dispersion group level. Only ripe fruits were related to reduced daylength. The phenophases of the deciduous forests of the Pantanal seem to be regulated not only by climatic factors but also by strong endogenous control.

Research and Exploration of Ecological Highway Carbon Sequestration Forest Methodology

Based on the demand of ecological highway construction, this paper explores the research work of carbon sequestration forest. The introduction of forest carbon sinks and advanced concepts of the forestry carbon sequestration, and for the measurement of the highway in the carbon sink forest carbon sink monitoring and exploration on the aspects, such as, the forest carbon sinks and forestry carbon sink theory knowledge, used in highway transportation, implements the carbon sink forest methodology used in the field of traffic, road area change ever green landscape, the shrub tree species as the main design concept, put forward the concept of carbon sequestration in the road system and based on the neutral roadside greening design forestry carbon sequestration. On the basis of energy conservation and emission reduction, the construction of carbon sequestration forest is adopted to solve the carbon emission problem of the transportation industry from another perspective, so as to improve the quality of planting trees along the transportation lines of Jiangsu province and even the whole country, update the greening concept, enhance carbon sequestration and ecological efficiency, and open up a new path for building a green transportation environment.

Assessment of the Functional State of Green Plantings and the Accumulation of Heavy Metals by Vegetation in Urban Green Areas for Various Purposes

This article is devoted to the ecological problem of effective urban landscaping and increasing the role of green plantings in stabilizing the environment. The paper summarizes the material on the complex bioecological assessment of functionally different urban green areas of Vladivostok. There are six types of urban plantings: ordinary plantings, squares, intraquarter gardening, old city public gardens, city parks, and intraurban recreational forests. The questions of the specificity of their species composition, conditions of growth, and the intensity of influencing anthropogenic press are considered. An almost fourfold increase of environmental stress in the following series is noted: city parks → intra-quarter gardening → intraurban recreational forests → old city public gardens → line plantings → squares. Most attention is paid to a comparative analysis of tree–shrub species and plantation accumulation of heavy metals: the main markers of technogenic pollution of the urban environment. The correlation regularities in the accumulation of heavy metals by plants in the conditions of Vladivostok urban ecosystems were found and a geochemical association of the main metal pollutants was established: Fe4.1 Zn2.0 Pb1.9 Cu1,4 Ni1.3. It is shown that the intensity of heavy-metal transformation by green plantings increases 3 times in a ranked series: intraurban recreational forest → city parks → old city public gardens → intra-quarter gardening → squares → line plantings. On the basis of the research and earlier results, a complex assessment of the functional condition of city green plantings is performed. For a practical solution, the author offers the functional status index (IFS) of plantings as an integral indicator of the ecological condition of vegetation and soils of green plantings and their capability for heavy-metal transformation in the conditions of the urbanized environment. The high functional status of ordinary plantings and squares, caused mainly by the active accumulation of heavy metals by soils and plants, is noted. This index is one and a half times lower for old city gardens and intraurban recreational forests. In conclusion, the author recommends using the results in the organization of a rational system of urban landscaping and differentiated measures of care for plantations of various functional purposes.

Potential of Artificial Bird Perches for Recovery Different Areas in Brazilian Semiarid

Aims: To evaluate the potential of artificial bird perch for recovering areas on the Brazilian semiarid through seed dispersion and the establishment of regeneration.&#x0D; Study Design: We tested the treatments: PC= perches in area with preserved surroundings; CC = absence o perches in area with preserved surroundings (Control 1); PP= disturbed area with perches and CP= disturbed area without perches (Control 2). The experiment has a complete randomized design with four replications.&#x0D; Place and Duration of Study: The study was performed in the municipalities of Ibaretama and Quixaba, State of Ceará, Brazil. We used one perturbed (Area 1) and one conserved area (Area 2) in each municipality. The experiment was conducted from April 2014 to May 2016, a total of 24 months.&#x0D; Methodology: 24 perches were used in each area. Seed rain and natural regeneration were evaluated. Collectors were installed at the perch bases and the seeds sampled monthly, quantified and identified. Every twelve months, the natural regeneration was verified under the perches, quantifying and identifying the regenerates.&#x0D; Results: We found 1031 seeds of shrub-tree species dispersed. The treatment with perches in environment with conserved surroundings had the higher number of seeds. The main dispersed species were Commiphora leptophloeos (28.3 sem.m-2), Lantana camara (7.3 sem.m-2) and Cynophalla flexuosa (2.6 sem.m-2). We observed the higher value of regeneration in the treatments with artificial perches with conserved surroundings, 2.7 individuals.m-2. The dispersal syndrome of natural regeneration consisted of 50% of zoochoric species.&#x0D; Conclusion: Artificial perches exert a recuperative function on Brazilian semiarid areas, increasing the rain of zoochoric seeds and the recruitment of the species. We recommend artifitial perches for the attraction of dispersers in different disturbed areas.

Chave de identificação dendrológica das espécies mais comuns de uma área de Cerrado &lt;i&gt;Sensu Stricto&lt;/i&gt;, Gurupi, Tocantins

Estudos com chave de identificação dendrológica e o comportamento fenológico aliado ao conhecimento das espécies ameaçadas de extinção da flora arbustivo-arbórea do Cerrado no Estado do Tocantins ainda são escassos ou incipientes, promovendo assim uma lacuna de informações técnicas e científicas. Portanto, esta pesquisa visa respaldar o estabelecimento de prioridades para futuras estratégias de conservação e planos de manejo de espécies botânicas do Cerrado. Diante do contexto, objetivou-se elaborar uma chave dicotômica, baseada em caracteres vegetativos das espécies arbustivo-arbórea de uma área de cerrado sensu stricto em Gurupi – TO. Foram alocadas, sistematicamente, cinco parcelas permanentes de 20×50m, ou seja, 1000 m² cada, sendo as mesmas distanciadas 10 m entre si. Amostrou-se todos os indivíduos arbustivo-arbóreos, com circunferência a 1,30 m do solo (CAP) maior ou igual a 10 cm. Os materiais botânicos das espécies foram herborizados seguindo as técnicas convencionais. Para a elaboração da chave de identificação, foi realizada uma seleção dentre as 106 espécies amostradas, considerando apenas as espécies que possuíam densidade absoluta maior ou igual a 5 indivíduos, desta forma foram selecionadas 54 espécies. Cabe ressaltar que essa seleção teve como objetivo incluir apenas as espécies de maior recorrência no cerrado sensu stricto, com finalidade de viabilizar a funcionalidade da chave. A chave de identificação baseada em caracteres vegetativos foi composta por 54 espécies arbustivo-arbóreas de eudicotiledôneas e angiospermas basais, distribuídas em 47 gêneros, incluídos em 26 famílias botânicas. A confecção da chave de identificação dendrológica demonstrou-se uma ferramenta funcional, ou seja, permitiu uma rápida e fácil identificação das espécies vegetais amostradas.

Expansão da vegetação arbustivo-arbórea em áreas abertas alto-montanas adjacentes a fragmentos florestais, no Planalto Sul Catarinense

O objetivo deste estudo foi conhecer os padrões demográficos da regeneração natural do componente arbustivo-arbóreo e determinar se esses são influenciados pelas variáveis ambientais, em três áreas de campo em regeneração natural, adjacentes a fragmentos florestais de Floresta Ombrófila Mista Alto-Montana, no Planalto Sul Catarinense. Foram instaladas três transecções, uma por área, de 20x100 m, subdividas em sub-parcelas de 10x10 m, perpendiculares à borda dos fragmentos, com sua extensão cobrindo a área de campo. Amostraram-se todos os indivíduos regenerantes arbustivo-arbóreos com 20 cm ou mais de altura. Em cada sub-parcela, foram coletados os seguintes dados ambientais: propriedades físico-químicas dos solos, grau de compactação dos solos e topografia. Um ano após o inventário, foram obtidas as taxas de dinâmica para as três comunidades e para as populações, e os padrões encontrados foram relacionados com as variáveis ambientais. Os dados foram analisados por meio de testes de Kruskal-Wallis, testes de comparações múltiplas, teste de qui-quadrado aplicado a tabela de contingência, teste de correlação, Análise de Componentes Principais (PCA) e modelos lineares mistos. Os resultados demonstraram que no período estudado, o processo de regeneração natural do componente arbustivo-arbóreo encontra-se em fase inicial e foi caracterizado pelo incremento na abundância de indivíduos, estabilidade na riqueza, independência espacial entre a mortalidade e o recrutamento e limitação do recrutamento em função da baixa fertilidade natural do solo e elevada disponibilidade de Al.

Natural Regeneration in Tropical Rainforest, Northeastern Brazil

Aims: To evaluate the shrub-tree species of natural regeneration in a remnant of Tropical Rain Forest, located in the northeastern region of Brazil.&#x0D; Study Design: Systematic sampling.&#x0D; Place and Duration of Study: The study was carried out in a remnant of Tropical Rainforest, categorized as a Forest of Miritiba Wildlife Refuge, located in the municipality of Abreu and Lima, distant approximately 42 km from the city of Recife, state of Pernambuco, Brazil. The area has approximately 273.40 ha. The data were collected in November 2016.&#x0D; Methodology: The data were collected in 12 plots (25 m² each) allocated in 3 transects of 100 m in length, equidistant 50 m from each other, perpendicular to the edge of the weir located inside the fragment. The inclusion level established was a minimum height of 1.0 m and a base circumference at 30.0 cm from the ground (CAB 0.30 m) ≤ 15.0 cm. Three height classes (H) were considered, where Class I included individuals with 1.0 ≤ H ≤ 2.0 m; Class II with 2.0 &lt;H &lt;3.0 m and Class III with H&gt; 3.0 m and CAP &lt;15.0 cm.&#x0D; Results: A total of 41 species belonging to 24 botanical families and 31 genus were recorded, representing a density of 8,867 ind.ha-1. The five richest families were Fabaceae, Myrtaceae, Melastomataceae Anacardiaceae and Sapindaceae. The species with the highest estimated densities were Protium heptaphyllum, Erythroxylum mucronatum and Hirtella racemosa.&#x0D; Conclusion: Among the species sampled in the regenerating component, which presented higher density and can be used for enrichment of areas in recovery process are Protium heptaphyllum, Erythroxylum mucronatum, Hirtella racemosa, Myrcia tomentosa and Eschweilera ovata.

Soil Seed Banks in a Forest Under Restoration and in a Reference Ecosystem in Southeastern Brazil

ABSTRACT The current study aims to characterize the soil seed banks in a forest under restoration and in a seasonal semideciduous forest remnant, as well as to quantitatively and qualitatively compare them in order to evaluate the seed bank potential to influence the restoration process. In total, 60 samples of soil seed banks were collected in two adjacent forests (30 in a 2.18-ha forest undergoing restoration process based on the planting of seedlings belonging to different tree species, after the forest was subjected to bauxite mining activity; and 30 in a 5.30-ha preserved forest fragment). The soil seed bank of the forest undergoing restoration recorded higher density of emerged seedlings than that of the reference ecosystem. Although the shrub-tree species in the investigated forests lacked floristic similarity, the highly similar dispersal syndrome distribution and the successional category of shrub-tree species in them have indicated that both forests underwent ecological processes. Therefore, the restoration process implemented in the mined area has successfully recovered the soil seed bank after a few years.

Carbon Content in Shrub-tree Species of the Caatinga

ABSTRACT The aim of this study was to determine the carbon content (C) in stem, leaves and thin and thick branches of eight species in an area of Caatinga, municipality of Floresta, Pernambuco, Brazil. To do so, dry biomass samples of at least 15 trees distributed into five diametric classes collected from the study area and fractionated in laboratory were used for each of the eight evaluated species. Carbon content was determined using CHNS/O elemental analyzer. Average carbon content of 46.4% is recommended for Anadenanthera colubrina, Aspidosperma pyrifolium, Bauhinia cheilantha, Cnidoscolus quercifolius, Mimosa ophthalmocentra and Mimosa tenuiflora, without need for specific values for each compartment. Croton heliotropiifolius and Poincianella bracteosa require distinct values per compartment for individuals in order to avoid trends in carbon stock estimates.

Brazilian savanna re-establishment in a monoculture forest: diversity and environmental relations of native regenerating understory in Pinus caribaea Morelet. stands

In this paper we analyze and compare natural regeneration in shrub-tree community in three areas below Pinus caribaea stands and a natural area (cerrado sensu stricto). We also analyze the influence of biophysical and environmental variables on the distribution of regenerating shrub-tree species. The areas were analyzed and compared in relation to dispersal syndromes as well, being zoochory and anemochory the prevailing syndroms in the four areas. The sites below P. caribaea show a heterogeneous regeneration with the number of species ranging from 18 to 42. We analyzed the influence of the biophysical and environmental variables performing a canonical correspondence analyses, being found significant values for variables distance from remnant and basal area. The species Siparuna guianensis, Miconia albicans, Xylopia aromatica, Sclerolobium paniculatum, Casearia sylvestris and P. caribaea were the most importante ones in the four areas.

Síndromes de dispersión de diásporas de las especies arbustivo y arbóreas de tres tipos de coberturas del Parque Natural Quininí, municipio de Tibacuy, Cundinamarca, Colombia

Purpose: A floristic survey was conducted in three types of coverages to identify dispersal syndromes diasporas of shrub-tree species in three zones corresponding to secondary forest and agroforestry tall stubble Quinini Natural Park area, Tibacuy municipality, Cundinamarca, Colombia. Methodology: The temporary units rose by a transect four meters by 70 meters and shrub-tree, diameter at breast height cm DBH five species were recorded, this was done in the three zones. Results: The method was the most dominant scattering ornitocora zoocoria because of the 15 species recorded, 10 use this mechanism to spread, followed anemocorous dispersion. Conclusion: The importance of birds as a key player in the recovery and expansion of the plant cover in disturbed areas is highlighted.

Antithrombotic activities of aqueous extract from Gardenia jasminoides and its main constituent

Context: Gardenia jasminoides J. Ellis (Rubiaceae) is a shrub tree species distributed all over the world. Now its pharmacological activities such as anti-atherosclerosis have been extensively studied.Objective: To offer pharmacological proof for its further clinical application in cardiovascular diseases, the antithrombotic activities of the aqueous extract of G. jasminoides (GJ-ext) were studied in mouse and rat models.Materials and methods: GJ-ext was administrated orally to detect the effects on the models of carrageenan-induced tail thrombosis and arteriovenous shunt thrombosis. The effects of GJ-ext and geniposide (p.o.) on antiplatelet aggregation were examined. Geniposide and genipin were studied on venous thrombosis by oral administration.Results: GJ-ext (67, 133 and 266 mg/kg) and aspirin (50 mg/kg), respectively, decreased the length of tail thrombus with average thrombus inhibition rate of 21.9, 55.7, 65.8 and 57.6% at 48 h and 19.0, 54.5, 69.3 and 56.9% at 72 h after carrageenan injection and, meanwhile, improved thrombosis induced by arteriovenous shunt (silk thread) with 36.3, 45.5, 86.4 and 63.7% inhibition rate of thrombus respectively, and the ED50 of GJ-ext was 160.8 mg/kg. Furthermore, GJ-ext (67 mg/kg) and geniposide (20 mg/kg) significantly inhibited platelet aggregation induced by thrombin/collagen with 45.1%/19.3% and 52.8%/26.2% aggregation rate. Geniposide (10–40 mg/kg) and genipin (5–20 mg/kg) inhibited venous thrombosis induced by tight ligation of the inferior vena cava, their ED50 values were 18.4 and 8.6 mg/kg, respectively.Discussion and conclusion: This study indicated that GJ-ext and geniposide demonstrated remarkable antithrombotic activities and supported their therapeutic uses for thrombotic diseases.

ENVIRONMENTAL HETEROGENEITY AND NATURAL REGENERATION IN RIPARIAN VEGETATION OF THE BRAZILIAN SEMI-ARID REGION

This study investigated the structure, diversity and composition of the regenerating shrub-tree species community along a stretch of riparian vegetation in relation to environmental heterogeneity. In the Environmental Protection Area of Pandeiros River, southeastern Brazil, the regenerating stratum on 70 plots (25 m2) divided into four groups according to their soil characteristics and natural barriers was sampled. For each plot observations were made of variables related to several soil properties, canopy openness and flooding regime. In addition to the traditional calculation of phytosociological parameters and diversity, a canonical correspondence analysis (CCA) to examine the existing relationships between environmental variables and species distribution was performed. The families with the highest species richness were Fabaceae and Myrtaceae and the species with the highest importance value indices were Zygia latifolia, Tapirira guianensis, Butia capitata, Bauhinia rufa and Hirtella gracilipes. The CCA largely confirmed the groups that were originally proposed. The stretch of riparian vegetation studied was highly heterogeneous with regard to both the abiotic variables tested and floristic structure and composition.