The objective of this study was to describe the floristic composition and the structure of the tree layer of a fragment of a seasonal deciduous forest in northeastern Goiás state, Brazil. A sample of 25 (20x20) plots was assessed totaling one hectare. All individuals for 5cm dbh were included in the survey. A total of 663 trees in 52 arboreal species was found; the most abundant species were Combretum duarteanum Camb., Casearia rupestris Eichl., Myracrodruon urundeuva Fr. Allem., Machaerium acutifolium Vog. and Tabebuia impetiginosa (Mart. ex DC.) Standl. There were 21 families with a higher proportion of Leguminosae (17 species) Bignoniaceae (4 species), Anacardiaceae (3 species) and Bombacaceae (3 species). The forest presented an open canopy and an unbalanced diameter distribution, with Liocourt's quocient "q" values ranging from q1=0,66 to q6=0.14. These forest remnants play an important role in the maintenance of the biological diversity and contain valuable timber species that are becoming rare in the surrounding regions.
deciduous forests; phytosociology; trees
