DIAMETRIC AND HYPSOMETRIC STRUCTURE OF THE ARBOREOUS COMPONENT IN FRAGMENTS OF ATLANTIC RAIN FOREST IN RECIFE-PE

Abstract

The objective of this paper was to analyze the diametric and hypsometric structure of the arboreous component in fragments of Atlantic rain forest in Recife-PE, in order better understand the succession period of this patch. Twenty plots of 10 X 25 m (250 m2), totaling a sample area of 5.000 m2 (0,5 ha) were established. The plots were installed in the systematic way, in parallels lines in the south edge of fragment. The first line was installed at 10 m of the edge and the others at a distance of 50 m between lines. In all lines, the plots were installed 25 m of each other. The individuals inclusion level was DBH (Diameter at breast height = 1,30 m) greater than or equal to 4,77 cm. The trees had been mensured and labelled. The Detrended Correspondence Analysis was carried through (DCA). In the sampled area, 531 individuals were registered, pertaining to 25 botanical families, 41 genera and 54 species. The diametric individual structure presented the standard reverse-J-shape. The most of individuals, in relation to height class, was located in the central classes. However, some species were deficient in the initial classes. The correspondence (DCA), for quantitative or structural data had shown two well defined groups. The studied area is a secondary uneven aged forest formation, presenting an initial period of stage of succession.