The Woody Vegetation of Quartzite Soils in a Mountain Landscape in the Atlantic Forest Domain (South-Eastern Brazil): Structure, Diversity and Implications for Conservation

Abstract

The Serra Negra belongs to the Mantiqueira mountain complex, Minas Gerais, Brazil. It has a vegetation mosaic dominated by ombrophilous and seasonal forest and grassland formations. Woody physiognomies occur on patches of quartzite soils. The aim of the present study was to investigate the patterns of structure and diversity of woody vegetation on quartzite soils in Serra Negra. Ten plots (20 × 50 m) were randomly placed in patches of woody vegetation on quartzite soils along the landscape. The diameter and height of all woody plants with a diameter of ≥ 3 cm at 30 cm from the soil were measured. The 1899 individuals sampled represented 30 plant families and 68 species. A strong ecological dominance was found, with about 30% of individuals belonging to a single species, Eremanthus incanus (Asteraceae). The Shannon diversity index (H′) was 2.74 nats/individual and evenness (J) 0.65. The two most abundant and ecologically important species in this vegetation type, Eremanthus incanus and Eremanthus erythropappus, called ‘candeias’, are exploited in the region, mainly for firewood. This exploitation, combined with other factors (e.g. increased tourism), can pose risks to the conservation of the whole flora of the region.

Ethnobotanical and biochemical features of Sesbania sesban L. Merr., a nitrogen-fixing plant native to the Republic of Chad

“…The causes included agricultural activities such as extensive grazing and annual cropping, deforestation, and variations in climate (Nwilo et al 2020). Excessive exploitation poses risks to the conservation of the whole flora in these and other tropical and subtropical regions (Rukangira 2001, Ribeiro et al 2017. Moreover, effective strategies for biodiversity conservation should focus on regions with rare and endangered species, on locally abundant species that are functionally vital in maintaining the plant community, and on regions with considerable heterogeneity of vegetation (Ribeiro et al 2017).…”

“…Excessive exploitation poses risks to the conservation of the whole flora in these and other tropical and subtropical regions (Rukangira 2001, Ribeiro et al 2017. Moreover, effective strategies for biodiversity conservation should focus on regions with rare and endangered species, on locally abundant species that are functionally vital in maintaining the plant community, and on regions with considerable heterogeneity of vegetation (Ribeiro et al 2017). Rukangira (2001) noted that policy makers, other stakeholders, and citizens need to support conservation and help increase awareness of the problem.…”

A review on medicinal and ethnomedicinal uses, biological features, and phytochemical constituents of Sesbania sesban L. Merr., a nitrogen-fixing plant native to the Republic of Chad

“…The causes included agricultural activities such as extensive grazing and annual cropping, deforestation, and variations in climate. Excessive exploitation poses risks to the conservation of the whole flora in these and other tropical and subtropical regions [110], [111].…”

Ecology, Morphology, Distribution, and Use of Sesbania tchadica (Sesbania Sesban) from the Republic of Chad: A Review

“…The causes included agricultural activities such as extensive grazing, and annual cropping, other uses of the trees such as for fuelwood, charcoal, panelling and woodwork and variations in climate (Nwilo et al, 2020). Such exploitation poses risks to the conservation of the whole flora in these and other tropical and sub-tropical regions (Rukangira Ernest, 2001), (Ribeiro et al, 2017). Rukangira ( 2001) noted that policy makers, other stakeholders and citizens need to support conservation and help increase awareness of the problem..…”

“…Rukangira ( 2001) noted that policy makers, other stakeholders and citizens need to support conservation and help increase awareness of the problem.. Moreover, effective strategies for biodiversity conservation should focus on regions with rare and endangered species, on locally abundant species that are functionally vital in maintaining the plant community and on regions with considerable heterogeneity of vegetation (Ribeiro et al, 2017). The collection of the plant material and the documentation, botanical identification and preparation of the herbarium vouchers are tasks that cannot be automated and thus require specialists who are becoming increasingly rare (Bucar et al, 2013); (Bruno et al, 2015).…”