Clidemia urceolata DC. is a pioneer species of the family Melastomataceae which colonizes spontaneously abandoned pastures. It forms nuclei of different sizes, where other species of advanced successional groups can be observed, constituting a facilitative species. The present study aimed to quantify and characterize the nuclei in the watershed of Barra Mansa river, Rio de Janeiro state (6.839 ha) (22o 32'40'' 22º 40'60''S e 44o 12' 44º 06'20''W), which is a tributary of Paraíba do Sul river. They were geographically referenced and characterized regarding to the size of Clidemia urceolata individuals (low: H <0,60 m; medium: 0,60 <H <1,20 m; and high: H ≥ 1,20m), densification (scattered, medium and dense), area of the nuclei (small: ≤ 500 m2; medium: 500 to 2000 m2; and large: ≥ 2000 m2) and development stage (initial, intermediate and advanced). 26 nuclei were identified, adding up to 7,9 ha. There was the prevalence of nuclei with medium sized individuals (76,92%), slightly dense (42,31%), big area (42,31%) and intermediate developmental stage (46,16%), evidencing that they are in progress and that colonization strategy, reproduction and dispersion of Clidemia urceolata can contribute to boost the ecological succession, being able to act as a spontaneous agent of forest restoration of the disturbed areas.
abandoned pastures; facilitative species; forest restoration
