Invasive exotic tree species in 'Barreirinha' Park, Curitiba: registration and implications

The majority of the Conservation Units (CUs) of Curitiba (Paraná state, Brazil) are plagued by invasive alien tree species (IATs). However, no studies have been carried out to evaluate their impact or to determine the appropriate management techniques. The objective of this study is to evaluate the participation of IATs and the implications and management of the most significant species causing major structural change in the floristic-structural composition of 'Barreirinha' Park, a remnant of Araucaria Forest. Four plots were evaluated in a total area of 1600 m² representing approximately 4% of the total area of the forest. A total of 354 individual trees were sampled with a diameter of ≥ 15 cm, and for each species sampled, parameters were calculated of the relative frequency, relative density, relative dominance and the importance value. It was possible to identify 29 families, 43 genera and 57 species, three of which were IATs. The sustainability and integrity of this Conservation Unit can be threatened by the presence of Pittosporum undulatum (Sweet Pittosporum), the species with the greatest structural importance value, high density and frequency. Possible management strategies for the Pittosporum undulatum species are presented.

Phytosociologicy; Mixed Ombrophilous Forest; Pittosporum undulatum Vent.; Conservation Units