FLORÍSTICA E ESTRUTURA DE UM AMBIENTE TRANSICIONAL CAATINGAMATA ATLÂNTICA

Abstract

The vegetation features in the coastal portion of the State of Rio Grande do Norte are presented as transitional environment between Caatinga and Atlantic Forest biomes. Being an area where distinct phytoecological domains overlap and interpenetrate keep their own ecological characteristics. As there are no major human settlements and so little agricultural activities and prominent livestock, natural scenery prevails almost untouched. Because of these characteristics, this stretch of coast has been the target of heavy real estate speculation. This study was aimed to conduct a floristic and structure ecotone study which could contribute to conservation and sustainable use. For the floristic study the entire area (300 ha) was used and the method adopted was the pathway. For the phytosociological characterization a sample from an area of approximately 60 hectares was extracted, which applied the plot method, marking 100 contiguous plots of 100 m2. The phytosociological parameters were calculated using specific software. The floristic recorded 108 species in 91 genera and 49 families. For the phytosociological survey, 1960 individuals comprising of 31 species in 27 genera and 22 botanical families. The most important family was the Myrtaceae. The most abundant species were Psidium oligospermum, Eugenia luschnathiana and Pilosocereus catingicola and endangered species Aspilia procumbens, Cattleya granulosa and Melocactus violaceus. Species from the caatinga and the atlantic forest has been observed, supporting the idea of ecotone.