Phytosociological structure of a riparian forest fragment, Capibaribe Mirim river, Aliança, Pernambuco

Abstract

This work aimed to evaluate phytosociological structure of a riparian forest fragment called Mata da Guararema, located at the Capibaribe Mirim river, Goiana river watershed, Aliança, Pernambuco. At the phytosociological review all tree individuals with 1.30 m height circumference (CAP) ? 15 cm were measured. Eleven 10.0 x 24.0 plots were systematically distributed, divided in sub-plots of 10.0 x 8.0 m, with a 15 m distance between each. The parameters density, frequency, dominance, importance value and Shannon diversity index were estimated. Two hundred and eight two individuals were sampled and 32 species, identified. The highest diameter was 69.39 cm. Basal area was 24.54 m².ha^-1. The average height of the fragment was 8.32 m. The species with highest importance value were Campomanesia xanthocarpa, Tabebuia serratifolia, Campomanesia dichotoma, Myracrodruon urundeuva, Guapira opposita, Acacia paniculata, Anadenanthera macrocarpa, Capparis flexuosa, Tabebuia impetiginosa and Zizyphus joazeiro. Shannon index was 3.08 nats/individual. Diameter distribution followed the usual curve for a forest with diverging ages in secondary succession stages. The fragment studied has floristic richness similar to other studies in riparian forests in Pernambuco and Paraíba and requires the establishment of adequate conservation practices.