Structure and diversity of tree vegetation in Cerradão located in the north of the Goiás state

Abstract

Understanding the floristic composition and the structure of the cerradão is one of the main steps for the conservation of these areas. A survey of the cerradão tree community located in the Reserva Legado Verdes do Cerrado in Niquelândia Goiás was carried out. Twenty plots of 10x10m were distributed in four sites with five plots each. All arboreal individuals with diameter at breast height (DBH) ≥ 5 cm were sampled. Phytosociological and floristic parameters were analyzed. The floristic similarity between the sites and between the plots was also analyzed. There were 305 individuals distributed in 76 species, 60 genera and 31 botanical families. The Shannon’s index (H '= 3.83 nats.ind-1) was above values found for other studies in the cerradão, and the equability’s Pielou (J' = 0.88) is within the range found by others authors. The species with the highest IVI values were: Tachigali vulgaris, X. aromatica, Curatella americana, Vatairea macrocarpa, Pterodon emarginatus, Hirtella glandulosa, Andira cujabensis, Bowdichia virgilioides, Hymenaea stigonocarpa and Tapirira guianensis. The diametric distribution presents J-reverse distribution, usually found in natural tropical forests. The Sorensen analysis indicates high floristic similarity between sites 10 and 11 and those with site 12. Site 09 presented 25% of its flora distinct from the others with typical forest species. The area studied is rich and diverse and shelters several protected species, justifying the need for its conservation.