Floristic-structural characterization and successional group of tree species in the Cerrado biome of tocantins state, Brazil

Abstract

The objective of this study was to characterize the floristic composition, vegetation structure and ecological group of tree species in a cerradão forest (Cerrado biome) of Palmas, Tocantins State, Brazil. A forest inventory was performed in an area of 10.15 hectares, using systematic sampling with plots of 400 m², in which all standing trees, alive and dead, that had diameter at breast height (DBH) ≥ 5 cm were sampled and identified. A linear plateau regression model (LPR) was used for sample sufficiency analysis. The Shannon index (H') was used for assess the floristic diversity, and the Importance Value Index (IVI) for assess the horizontal structure. The forest was classified in three strata according to vertical structure analysis. The LPR showed that the sampling size was adequate. The predominate species in the area were Myrcia splendens, Emmotum nitens and Qualea parviflora, and species from the families Fabaceae and Chrysobalanaceae. The pioneer (613 individuals ha-1) and climax (530 individuals ha-1) species were the predominating groups. Regarding the richness index, the number of climax (57 species) and pioneer (25 species) species stood out. The alpha floristic diversity was 3.35 nats individuals-1 and the Pielou equability value J = 0.76. The diametric distribution showed a negative and balanced exponential pattern. Regarding the vertical stratification, the smallest amount of individuals was in the upper stratum (13%) and the highest in the mid stratum (63%) and in the lower stratum (24%). The use of floristic composition tools with horizontal and vertical structure analysis was effective for understand the tree community, which may be considered structured and diverse, thus able to restructure possible disturbances when preserved.