Flora and structure of the tree stratum of the riparian forests in a humid montane area of municipality of Areia, Paraíba

Abstract

Flora and structure of the tree stratum of the riparian forests in a humid montane area at Reserva Ecológica Estadual Mata do Pau-Ferro in the municipality of Areia, Paraíba, were analyzed. Twenty eight transepts were established perpendicular to the edge of the main rivers and in each transept three plots, 10 x 20 m each, were marked. Each of the three plots corresponded to a distance from the river edge: Distance I, 0 - 20 m; Distance II, 20 - 40 m; and Distance III, 40 - 60 m. All trees with diameter at breast height (DBH) equal to or higher than 5 cm were labeled, identified and measured. Identifications were made at Jaime Coelho de Moraes and Lauro Xavier Herbaria, both belonging to Universidade Federal da Paraíba. A total of 2659 trees were identified, belonging to 35 families, 61 genera and 67 species. Distance I had the highest species richness. Basal areas varied around 20 m² ha^-1, for all Distances; a low value compared to other riparian forests in the region. Species with highest Importance Values (IV) were Allophylus laevigatus, Guapira opposita, Erythroxylum pauferrense and Acrocomia intumescens. Sapindaceae had the highest IV, at all Distances. Erythroxylaceae had increasing IVs at greater distances from the river edges, while the reverse occurred for Simaroubaceae. These families are well represented in most surveys of Brazilian Atlantic Forest associated ecosystems, like the humid montain forests. These results can help directing conservation actions for the recovery of these highly degraded riparian forests.