ABSTRACT
This work aimed to describe physiognomy and structure of a Dense Ombrophyllous Forest fragment located in Catende, Pernambuco. All trees with DAP (breast height diameter) ≥ 4.77 cm were measured in 40 10 x 25 m plots, systematically installed in five transects. A total of 1049 individuals were observed, distributed in 91 species, 64 genera and 37 botanical families. Mimosaceae and Lauraceae were the families with higher species number, while Anacardiaceae and Moraceae had the highest individuals numbers. Shannon index (H') was 3.83 nats/ind. Total basal area, height and diameter (average and maximum) were 23.59 m2/ha, 13.57 m (± 7.13), 45 m, 13.20 cm (± 10.60) and 127.32 cm, respectively. The species with higher importance values were Tapirira guianensis Aubl., Dialium guianense (Aubl.) Sandwith, Helicostylis tomentosa (Poepp. & Endl.) Rusby, Thyrsodium spruceanum Benth., Plathymenia foliolosa Benth., Brosimum discolor Schott, Parkia pendula (Willd.) Benth. ex Walp., Schefflera morototoni (Aubl.) Maguire, Steyerm. & Frodin, Eschweilera ovata (Cambess.) Miers and Cecropia palmata Willd. Diametric distribution had an inverted-J-like curve, predicted for a forest unequal in ages in a secondary succession stage.
Keywords:
diametrical distribution; hypsometric distribution; floristics