Phytophysiognomies of the Reduced Flow Stretch of the Belo Monte Hydroelectric Power Plant in Pará, Brazil

Abstract

The Belo Monte hydroelectric power plant has a section known as the reduced flow stretch (RFS). In this area, the environmental classification of vegetation was based on unclear criteria and various inconsistencies. In view of this, the objective of the present study is to delimit and classify the phytophysiognomy and flora of this area by analyzing the botanical material collected at the RFS in 2019 in Belo Monte Hydroelectric Power Plant, Xingu River, Brazil. This material was described and systematized according to the APG IV classification system and compared with the existing literature on the theme for the definition of phytophysiognomies. Thus, the study identified 514 individuals distributed in 74 families, 180 genera, and 185 species, while the previously used names Sarobal, Beiradão, Açaizal, Grota, Restinga, Ilha, and Golosal do not correspond to distinct or scientifically recognized phytophysiognomies. Technical reports must be adapted to the scientifically recognized phytophysiognomies