Floristic and phytosociology of three different grassland physiognomies of Southern Brazil

ABSTRACT

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the composition and structure of three different types of grassland vegetation of Southern Brazil. We aimed to discuss the floristic similarities among these areas and the influence of the Cerrado flora in their composition. The study was conducted in the Parque Estadual de Vila Velha (PEVV) (25º12'34"-25º15'35"S and 49º58'04 "-50º03'37"W), Municipality of Ponta Grossa, Paraná State, Brazil, in three grassland physiognomies: dry (CS), wet (CU) and rocky (CR). Thirty plots of 1 × 1 m were placed in each area for the quantitative sampling. Additionally, species that occurred around the plots were also collected. In total, 283 species were sampled, with 163 species in CS, 87 species in CU, and 59 in CR. 36.48% (85) of the species sampled in this study also occur in the Cerrado. The cluster analysis showed that the floristic composition of the three grassland areas is significantly different due to several factors, especially the soil water system.

Keywords:
Campos Gerais; community structure; grassland; Paraná State; Southern Brazil