FLORISTIC ASPECTS AND DIVERSITY OF REGEGENERATED ARBOREAL SPECIES UNDER A STAND OF Anadenanthera peregrina SPEG.

Abstract

This study was conducted at the campus of the Federal University of Lavras, Minas Gerais state, in an area of 7.56 ha which in earlier times was planted with Anadenanthera peregrina. It aimed to describe the floristic composition of the site so as to provide a theoretical basis to assist future local management interventions. A total of 81 plots, each measuring 10x10m, were allocated and arranged in such way as to cover as much apparent variation in the physiognomic gradient of the vegetation as possible. All individuals with DBH (diameter at breast height) ≥ 5.0 cm were recorded. Each individual had their DBH and height recorded. Diversity was assessed using Shannon, Pielou and Jentsen indices and compared to adjacent areas and to other areas with similar history of land use. The sampling procedure recorded 1,180 individuals, distributed among 25 families and 66 species. The family presenting the largest number of recorded species was Fabaceae, with 16 species (24.24%). The genera presenting the greatest floristic richness were Casearia, with four species, Machaerium and Rollinia, each with three species, and Anadenanthera, Tapirira, Cordia, Protium, Inga, Ocotea, Miconia, Cedrela and Myrcia, each with two species. The Shannon diversity index (H’) was 1.47 nats.ind-1, indicating that the local community has low species diversity.