This study aimed to diagnosis structural variations between floristic groups in a remnant of Montane Mixed Ombrophylous Forest in Nova Prata, RS state. To do so, 71 plots with dimensions of 10 x 100 m were inventoried, distributed by the process of systematic sampling in Two Stages. All individuals with circumference at breast height equal to or above 30.0 cm were measured. The cluster analysis based on the abundance of species in each plot was conducted by using Ward connection method and it allowed classifying the plots in four distinct floristic groups. Intermediate Stage, Border Forest, Advanced Stage and Degraded Forest Groups presented Matayba elaeagnoides Radlk, Lithrea brasiliensis Marchand, Campomanesia xanthocarpa O.Berg and Myrciaria floribunda floribunda (West ex Willd.) O. Berg, respectively, as the most characteristic species. Greater variation in the proportion of understory species and pioneers was found. The highest number of species with the aggregated spatial distribution pattern was observed. The diameter and hypsometric structures indicated the groups have a good renewal capacity and a denser bottom canopy, respectively, although they have some different characteristics. In summary, the groups presented structural variations that evidenced the need to consider the clusters in the event of intervention in the forest.
Forest of the Araucaria; cluster analysis; arboreous stratum; structural heterogeneity
