Diversity, abundance and ecological importance of plant species for medical use in tropical forest of Tingo Maria, Peru / Diversidad, abundancia e importancia ecológica de especies vegetales de uso medicinal de la selva tropical en Tingo María, Perú

Peru is a megadiverse country due to the large number of animal and plant species. Its diversity derives from the different ecoregions present that developed with geological evolution. Much of its plant diversity is contained in the Peruvian Amazon, which includes a large proportion of plant species, many of them endemic. Of this diversity, many plants have been underestimated, and it is believed that more than 50% of them have not been recorded. These scientific gaps also address medicinal plants, their taxonomic identification, phytochemical bioactives produced, mechanisms of action of phytochemicals, and the metabolic pathways involved. These medicinal plants are active against common diseases such as: protozoa, with emphasis on malaria and leishmania, diabetes, inflammation, hypertension, cancer, infectious diseases (viral, bacterial, and fungal), kidney, liver, diarrhea and other health problems. This work is based on the study of a forest area in the district of Rupa Rupa called Reserve Forest of the Universidad Nacional Agraria de la Selva (BRUNAS) in Tingo María, Peru, which is being highly pressured by the people who live in the surroundings of this forest ecosystem for domestic use, so it is urgent to sensitize the population linked to this natural resource and make known the plants found there with high medicinal potential for the use of the locals, the nation and the world(AU)

El Perú es un país megadiverso debido a la gran cantidad de especies de animales y plantas. Su diversidad se deriva de las diferentes ecorregiones presentes que se fueron desarrollando con evolución geológica. Mucha de su diversidad vegetal está contenida en la Amazonía Peruana que incluye una gran proporción de especies de plantas, muchas de ellas, de carácter endémico. De esta diversidad, muchas plantas han sido subestimada, y se cree que más del 50% de ellas no han sido registrada. Estas lagunas científicas también abordan también a las plantas medicinales, su identificación taxonómica, bioactivos fitoquímicos producidos, mecanismos de acción de los fitoquímicos y las vías metabólicas involucradas. Estas plantas medicinales son activas a enfermedades comunes como: protozoos, con énfasis en la malaria y leishmania, diabetes, inflamación, hipertensión, cáncer, enfermedades infecciosas (virales, bacterianas, y hongos), afecciones renales, hepáticas, diarrea y otros problemas de salud. Este trabajo se basa en el estudio de una zona boscosa del distrito de Rupa Rupa denominada Bosque de Reserva de la Universidad Nacional Agraria de la Selva (BRUNAS) en Tingo María, Perú, la cual esta siendo muy presionada por los pobladores que viven en los alrededores de este ecosistema forestal para uso domésticos, por lo que es urgente sensibilizar a la población vinculada a dicho recurso natural y dar a conocer las plantas allí encontradas con alto potencial medicinal para el uso de los lugareños, de la nación y el mundo(AU)

Contribution of the Brazilian National Forest Inventory to the knowledge of Cerrado woody flora / A contribuição do Inventário Florestal Nacional para o conhecimento da flora lenhosa do Cerrado

Abstract: The National Forest Inventory (Inventário Florestal Nacional-IFN) is a large initiative that uses standardised methods to survey Brazilian forestry resources. One target of the IFN is the Cerrado, which contains one of the richest floras in the world. The aim of this study was to assess the contribution of the IFN to the knowledge of Cerrado woody flora. We analysed data from field-collected vouchers sampled by the IFN Cerrado. We restricted our analyses to IFN collections of native trees and shrubs, including palms, which were identified at the species level. Habitat of each collection was obtained by overlaying specimens' geographic coordinates with land cover maps available in the Mapbiomas platform. Our final dataset comprised 28,602 specimens distributed in 2,779 sites (conglomerates) in Bahia, Distrito Federal, Goiás, Maranhão, Mato Grosso, Mato Grosso do Sul, Minas Gerais, Piauí, São Paulo and Tocantins. Collections were located in the following habitats: savannas (40.5%), forests (30.2%), anthropic areas (25.6%), grasslands (3.5%), and water (0.2%). We recorded 1,822 species belonging to 543 genera and 105 families, representing 34% of Cerrado woody species recorded on Flora do Brasil 2020. Fabaceae had the largest number of species, while Tapirira guianensis and Matayba guianensis were the most collected species. We highlight 60 potentially new records of occurrence for several states and 64 new records for the Cerrado, primarily in riparian forests where species from other biomes occur. In addition, 232 recorded species are Cerrado endemics, while 36 are cited in the CNCFlora's red list as endangered. The systematic sampling carried out by the IFN enabled vegetation sampling in remote and poorly known areas, which expanded the geographic range of many woody species and contributed to the knowledge of plant diversity in the Cerrado.

Resumo: O Inventário Florestal Nacional (IFN) é uma ampla iniciativa que emprega métodos padronizados para inventariar recursos florestais brasileiros. Um dos alvos do IFN é o Cerrado, o qual possui uma das floras mais ricas do mundo. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a contribuição do IFN para o conhecimento da flora lenhosa do Cerrado. Nós analisamos dados de vouchers coletados em campo pelo IFN Cerrado. Nós restringimos nossas análises a coletas do IFN pertencentes a árvores e arbustos, incluindo palmeiras, identificadas ao nível de espécie. O habitat de cada coleta foi obtido pela intersecção entre as coordenadas geográficas dos espécimes com mapas de cobertura disponíveis na plataforma Mapbiomas. O conjunto final de dados foi composto por 28.602 coletas distribuídas em 2.779 sítios (conglomerados) localizados na Bahia, Distrito Federal, Goiás, Maranhão, Mato Grosso, Mato Grosso do Sul, Minas Gerais, Piauí, São Paulo e Tocantins. As coletas foram realizadas nos seguintes habitats: savanas (40,5%), florestas (30,2%), áreas antrópicas (25,6%), campos (3,5%) e água (0,2%). Ao todo foram registradas 1.822 espécies pertencentes a 543 gêneros e 105 famílias, representando 34% das espécies lenhosas do Cerrado registradas na Flora do Brasil 2020. Fabaceae apresentou o maior número de espécies, enquanto que Tapirira guianensis e Matayba guianensis foram as espécies mais coletadas. Destacam-se possíveis novos registros de ocorrência de 60 espécies para diversos estados e de 64 espécies para o Cerrado, predominantemente nas florestas ripárias onde geralmente ocorrem espécies de outros biomas. Além disso, foram registradas 232 espécies endêmicas do Cerrado, bem como 36 espécies citadas na lista vermelha do CNCFlora como ameaçadas. A amostragem sistemática realizada pelo IFN permitiu o inventário da vegetação em áreas remotas e pouco coletadas, permitindo a expansão da distribuição geográfica de diversas espécies lenhosas, e contribuindo para o conhecimento da diversidade vegetal no Cerrado.

Novelties from the herbaceous stratum in a key region for the conservation of the Southern Amazon / Novidades do estrato herbáceo em uma região chave para a conservação da Amazônia Meridional

Abstract The contribution of the herbaceous stratum to tropical plant diversity is considerable, however this component remains undersampled. We investigated floristic, structural, ecological and conservation issues concerning the herbaceous component of a seasonal deciduous forest associated with granitic rock outcrops in the Cristalino Region, a key area for biodiversity conservation in the Brazilian Amazon. We installed a permanent plot of 1 ha, allocating 10 transect-lines of 20 m each. We identified the sampled individuals, measured height and projection, and verified cover and frequency per species, genera and family. We recorded 86 species, 62 genera and 25 families, with Orchidaceae being the family with the highest species richness. Among the 26 new species added to Cristalino Flora, we included Philodendron deflexum Poepp. ex Schott and Griffinia nocturna Ravenna, the latter 'Critically Endangered'. Furthermore, the occurrence of G. nocturna in an Amazonian forest matrix is a novelty in this study. The estimate of species diversity according to Shannon-Wiener (H') was 2.43 nats.ind.-1 (equivalent to 11.37 ± 0.90 IC95% equally common species), and according to Simpson (1/D), 6.82 (± 0.648 IC95%). The rarefaction and extrapolation curves for the diversity estimates tended to stabilize. Although the vegetation on rock outcrops usually presents a high number of endemic species, this pattern was not found in our study area, which can be explained by its continuous occurrence in the forest matrix. The understory of our study area consists in a mixture of floras, being composed mainly of species from the Amazon and/or Cerrado biomes. In view of the current anthropic pressure faced by the southern Amazon, we reinforce the importance of carrying out inventories of its herbaceous communities, since the risk of species loss is even more alarming when considering present undersampling of this component.

Resumo A contribuição do estrato herbáceo para a diversidade de plantas tropicais é considerável, mas esse componente permanece subamostrado. Investigamos questões florísticas, estruturais, ecológicas e de conservação relacionadas ao componente herbáceo de uma floresta estacional decidual associada a afloramentos rochosos graníticos na região do Cristalino, que é uma área chave para a conservação da biodiversidade na Amazônia brasileira. Instalamos um plot permanente de 1 ha, alocando 10 linhas de 20 m cada. Identificamos os indivíduos amostrados, medimos altura e projeção e verificamos cobertura e frequência por espécie, gênero e família. Registramos 86 espécies, 62 gêneros e 25 famílias, sendo Orchidaceae a família com maior riqueza de espécies. Entre as 26 novas espécies adicionadas à Flora do Cristalino, incluímos Philodendron deflexum Poepp ex Schott e Griffinia nocturna Ravenna, esta última 'Criticamente Ameaçada'. Além disso, a ocorrência de G. nocturna em uma matriz florestal amazônica é uma novidade neste estudo. A estimativa da diversidade de espécies de acordo com Shannon-Wiener (H ') foi 2,43 nats / ind.-1 (equivalente a 11,37 ± 0,90 IC95% espécies igualmente comuns), e de acordo com Simpson (1/D), 6,82 (± 0,648 IC95%). As curvas de rarefação e extrapolação para as estimativas de diversidade tenderam à estabilização. Embora a vegetação associada a afloramentos rochosos em geral apresente um elevado número de espécies endêmicas, esse padrão não foi encontrado para a nossa área de estudo, o que pode ser explicado pela sua ocorrência contínua à matriz florestal. O sub-bosque da nossa área de estudo apresenta mistura de floras, sendo composto principalmente por espécies dos biomas Amazônia e/ou Cerrado. Diante das pressões antrópicas existentes no sul da Amazônia, reforçamos a importância da realização de inventários das comunidades herbáceas desse bioma, já que o risco de perda de espécies é ainda mais alarmante quando consideramos a subamostragem desse componente.

Diversity and management of plant species in an Eri silkworm agroforestry system by Mishing tribe of Assam, India

Aim: The present study was conducted to investigate the status and diversity of plant species used for rearing of Eri silkworm and their traditional management in the homegardens of Mishing tribe.Methodology: A total of 45 homegardens from three villages were surveyed randomly which were primarily associated with rearing of Eri silkworm. Vegetation was studied using quadrat method. The data on traditional knowledge associated with the management of plants species for rearing of Eri silkworm were collected using semi structured questionnaires. Results: The average size of studied homegardens was 0.35 ha. A total of 243 plant species were recorded from the studied homegardens of which six species were used as food plants for rearing of Eri silkworm and 10 species were used in construction of mountage. Trees related to Eri culture contributed to 37.47% of the total importance value index (IVI) in the studied homegardens. Heteropanax fragrans (Roxb.) Seem and Ricinus communis L. were the primary food plants of Eri silkworm and were found to be dominant in the homegardens. Activities such as land preparation, sowing, pruning, weeding and watering are carried out for the management of Eri silkworm food plant species and were found to vary for different species. Interpretation: There is an urgent need to document the indigenous knowledge and traditional practices associated with the management of host and food plants used in the rearing of Eri silkworm in the present day context as it is a part of their cultural heritage and should be reoriented through integration of modern farming technique.

Floral Diversity in Different Types of Honey

Abstract Many different types of honey are available in the Brazilian market. They vary in color, flavor, smell, thereby increasing interest in honey characterization relating to botanical origin. A total of 155 honey samples belonging to Brazilian flora were examined on the pollen analysis; sampling is made in a span of one year. The preparation followed melisso palynological analysis based on the specific botanical variety. The pollen spectra revealed 60 pollen types belonging to 27 plant families and Myrtaceae, Fabaceae and Asteraceae were the dominant plant families. Few pollen types were found in most samples of honey. The families that showed major richness of pollen types were Fabaceae and Asteraceae. Only six floral sources of pollen plants and three floral sources of nectar plants appeared in the category of predominant pollen. The unifloral honeys were slightly more frequent than polyfloral, and wild floral species dominated most of the honey samples. These floral sources, even in minor parts in the honeys samples, are also part of the biological feature of theses honeys. The honeys from natural fields cannot be completely accounted by the term unifloral honeys.

Tree community variation in a tropical continental island according to slope aspect and human interference

ABSTRACT Associating description of unrecorded tropical tree community structure to sampling approaches that can help determine mechanisms behind floristic variation is important to further the comprehension of how plant species coexist at tropical forests. Thus, this study had the goals of (i) evaluating tree community structure on the continental island of Marambaia (23°4'37.09"S; 43°59'2.15"W) and (ii) testing the prediction that there are local scale changes in a tropical tree community structure between slopes facing different geographic orientation and with distinct human interference history. We established 60 (0.6 ha) sampling units in three different slope sites with distinct predominant geographic orientation and human interference. We sampled all woody trees with diameter at breast height (dbh) ≥ 5 cm. We found a total of 1.170 individuals representing 220 species, 120 genera and 50 families. The overall tree community structure and structural descriptors (abundance of individuals, basal area, species richness and diversity) varied extensively between the sites. The evidence presented here supports that local scale topography variations and human interference history can be important factors contributing to the known floristic heterogeneity of the Atlantic Rainforest. Future work on the study area should focus on disentangling effects from distinct causal factors over tree community variation and species occurrence.

Diversidad, estructura y afinidades florísticas de un bosque temporalmente inundable de la Península de Yucatán / Diversity, structure and floristic affinities of a temporarily flooded forest of the Yucatan Peninsula

ResumenLos bosques temporalmente inundables (BTI's) se encuentran entre las comunidades arbóreas más amenazadas del sureste de México y de manera contradictoria entre las menos conocidas en términos de su diversidad. Por lo que el objetivo del presente estudio fue caracterizar la riqueza, diversidad (Shannon-Wiener) y dominancia (valor de importancia relativo; VIR) del componente leñoso de un BTI de la península de Yucatán, así como evaluar sus afinidades florísticas con otros BTI's y bosques de tierras altas (BTA's) del sureste de México. Se utilizó un método de muestreo basado 10 cuadrantes de 10 x 20 m (2 000 m2), donde se registraron todos los individuos leñosos con diámetro ≥ 1cm y altura ≥ 1.5 m. Se usó un análisis de similitud florística que incluyó 192 géneros de plantas leñosas presentes en BTI's y BTA's de la península de Yucatán y BTI's Tabasco. Se realizó una prueba de correlación de Mantel para determinar si la distancia geográfica posee efecto sobre su similitud florística entre BTI's y BTA's de la península de Yucatán. El BTI estudiado se caracterizó por una baja diversidad (2.79) y riqueza de especies (56), así como por una alta dominancia (52.3 % del VIR en cinco especies). Especies dominantes como Haematoxylum campechianum, Dalbergia glabra, Cameraria latifolia, Byrsonima crassifolia, Crescentia cujete y Terminalia buceras denotan una afinidad florística neotropical típica de hábitats inundables. La estructura de la comunidad se caracterizó por presentar un patrón de "J" invertida para la distribución de los individuos en las clases diamétricas y de alturas. La alta densidad de lianas leñosas principalmente de Dalbergia glabra (22 % de los individuos registrados) sugiere un óptimo estado de conservación para el área de estudio. El análisis de relaciones florísticas reveló que en su mayoría BTI's de la península de Yucatán se agrupan con alta similitud (55 %) independientemente de los BTA's adyacentes, sin embargo, guardan mayor similitud con ellos (36 % de similitud) que con BTI´s de otras regiones (16 % de similitud). Según la prueba de Mantel, la similitud entre sitios no se encuentra influenciada por su proximidad geográfica (r= -0.098, p>0.05). Esto enfatiza la necesidad de generar estrategias de conservación para los BTI's de la península de Yucatán de manera independiente de otras regiones del sureste de México. Nuestros resultados sugieren que el BTI de la región estudiada posee una diversidad similar a otros BTI's del sureste de México, una composición florística diferente de BTA's adyacentes y una estructura con óptimo estado de conservación, características que indican su importancia para la conservación de la flora regional. Son necesarios estudios ecológicos adicionales para generar bases sólidas para el manejo y conservación de los BTI´s.

AbstractTemporarily flooded forests (TFF's) are among the most endangered tree communities in Southeast Mexico and in a contradictory way among the least known in terms of their diversity. Therefore, the aim of this study was to characterize the richness, diversity (Shannon-Wiener) and dominance (relative importance value; RIV) of a TFF of the Yucatan Peninsula, and evaluate its floristic affinities with other TFF's and upland forests (UF's) of Southeast Mexico. A sampling method based on 10 quadrants of 10 x 20 m (2 000 m2) was used to record all woody individuals with diameter ≥ 1 cm and height ≥ 1.5 m. A floristic similarity analysis was used including 192 genera of woody plants belonging to TFF's and UF's of the Yucatan and Tabasco TFF's. A Mantel correlation test was performed to determine if the geographic distance has effect on the floristic similarities between TFF's and UF´s of the Yucatan peninsula. The TFF under study was characterized with a low level of diversity (2.79) and species richness (56), and a high dominance level (52.3 % of RIV in five species). Dominant species such as Haematoxylum campechianum, Dalbergia glabra, Cameraria latifolia, Byrsonima crassifolia, Crescentia cujete and Terminalia buceras showed a floristic neotropical affinity typical of floodable habitats. The structure of the community was characterized by an inverted "J" pattern for the distribution of individuals in the diametric and height classes. The high density of woody lianas, mainly of Dalbergia glabra (22 % of the recorded individuals) suggested an optimal state of conservation of the studied area. The floristic similarity analysis revealed that most of TFF's in Yucatan Peninsula were grouped with high similarity (55 %) independently of the adjacent UF's; however, TFF´s resulted similar among them (36 % similarity) when compared with TFF's from other regions (16 % similarity). According to the Mantel test, the similarity between sites is not influenced by its geographical proximity (r = -0.098, p>0.05). This emphasizes the need to generate conservation strategies for the TFF's of the Yucatan peninsula independently from other regions of Southeast Mexico. Our results suggest that the TFF of the studied region has a similar diversity from other TFF's in Southeast Mexico, a different floristic composition compared with adjacent UF's and a structure with an optimal conservation status, characteristics that indicate their importance for the regional flora conservation. Further ecological studies are needed to build a solid foundation for management and conservation for the TFF's. Rev. Biol. Trop. 65 (3): 868-880. Epub 2017 September 01.

Floristic composition and abundance in forest fragments: a case study from southern Goiás, Brazil / Composição florística e abundância em fragmentos florestais: um estudo de caso no sul de Goiás, Brasil

The fragmentation of tropical forests has been identified as the main reason for their biodiversity reduction. This process is extensively occurring in the Brazilian central area, where there still are insufficient information about the remaining flora and fauna of the Neotropical Savanna and Atlantic Forest ecotone. This study aimed to determine the floristic composition and the abundance of the arboreal and subarboreal components of four semideciduos forest fragments. The data indicates that the floristic richness is positively influenced by the fragment area. However, the proximity between fragments has no influence on their floristic composition. It was recorded 126 species belonging to 91 genera distributed in 43 families, with the dominance of Siparuna guianensis Aubl. in all fragments. More than half of the total number of species of the arboreal stratum was not recorded in the subarboreal stratum. In addition, the subarboreal stratum also presented exclusive species. A high number of unique species was also recorded in each fragment, which emphasizes the importance of these remnants conservation, regardless of their sizes and indicates the need to create a management plan to promote connectivity between these fragmented areas.

A fragmentação das florestas tropicais tem sido apontada como a principal causa da redução de sua biodiversidade. Este processo está ocorrendo intensamente no sul de Goiás, onde ainda são escassas as informações sobre flora e fauna remanescentes. Este estudo objetivou determinar a composição florística e a abundância dos componentes arbóreos e arbustivos de quatro fragmentos de Floresta Estacional Semidecidual. Os dados obtidos indicam que a similaridade e a diversidade florística dos fragmentos são influenciadas pelo seu tamanho, uma vez que fragmentos maiores possuem maior diversidade. Entretanto, a proximidade dos fragmentos não se relaciona com sua composição florística. Ao todo, registraram-se 126 espécies pertencentes a 91 gêneros distribuídos em 43 famílias, com dominância de Siparuna guianensis em todos os fragmentos. Mais da metade das espécies encontradas no estrato arbóreo não foram registradas no estrato subarbóreo, havendo também espécies exclusivas desse estrato. Em cada fragmento foi registrado um alto número de espécies exclusivas, o que demonstra a importância da conservação desses remanescentes, independente do seu tamanho e a necessidade de criação de um plano manejo de conectividade entre as áreas.

Diversidade de angiospermas e espécies medicinais de uma área de Cerrado / Angiosperm diversity and medicinal species of Cerrado area

RESUMO Este trabalho teve como objetivo conhecer a diversidade vegetal de uma área de Cerrado em Prudente de Morais, MG, bem como suas indicações medicinais. Foram feitas nove excursões à reserva da Fazenda Experimental Santa Rita da Empresa de Pesquisa Agropecuária de Minas Gerais (FESR/EPAMIG) (19°26’20”’ S e 44°09’15”’ W). O material vegetal coletado foi herborizado, identificado e incorporado ao acervo do Herbário PAMG/EPAMIG. O sistema de classificação utilizado foi o APG III. Após a identificação, realizou-se uma pesquisa bibliográfica buscando dados sobre a utilização medicinal das espécies. Coletaram-se 108 espécies pertencentes a 47 famílias. As famílias mais representativas foram: Fabaceae, com 16 espécies, Myrtaceae com sete espécies, Asteraceae e Rubiaceae com seis espécies cada, Malpighiaceae e Solanaceae com cinco espécies cada, Erythroxylaceae, Euphorbiaceae e Vochysiaceae, com quatro espécies cada, Anacardiaceae, Apocynaceae, Lamiaceae e Sapindaceae com três espécies cada, Annonaceae, Arecaceae, Bignoniaceae, Celastraceae e Primulaceae com duas espécies cada. Vinte e nove famílias foram monoespecíficas. Das 108 espécies, 39 são árvores (36%), 43 arbustos (40%), seis subarbustos (5,5%), 14 lianas (13%) e seis são ervas (5,5%). Sessenta e seis (61%) espécies pertencentes a 39 famílias (83%) são utilizadas popularmente, para o tratamento de alguma doença. As famílias com maior número de espécies medicinais foram: Fabaceae com oito espécies; Rubiaceae com cinco espécies e Solanaceae com quatro espécies. As espécies que apresentaram mais finalidades terapêuticas foram: Brosimum gaudichaudii Trécul (Moraceae), Caryocar brasiliense Cambess. (Caryocaraceae), Cochlospermum regium (Mart. ex Schrank) Pilg. (Bixaceae), Croton urucurana Bail. (Euphorbiaceae), Gomphrena officinalis Mart. (Amaranthaceae), Hymenaea stigonocarpa Mart. ex Hayne (Fabaceae), Lithrea molleoides (Vell.) Engl. (Anacardiaceae), Myracrodruon urundeuva Allemão (Anacardiaceae) e Randia. armata (Sw.) DC. (Rubiaceae). As finalidades terapêuticas que apresentaram maior número de espécies foram: tônico (15 spp., 22,7%), afecções do aparelho respiratório (13 spp., 19,6%), afecções da pele (12 spp., 18%) e febres (12 spp., 18%). O conhecimento tradicional sobre as plantas medicinais do cerrado deve ser mais investigado para que seja preservado, valorizado, e para que medidas conservacionistas sejam tomadas evitando que essas plantas desapareçam antes que sua utilização tradicional seja corroborada pela ciência.

ABSTRACT This study aimed to investigate the plant diversity of a Cerrado area in Prudente de Morais, MG, and its medicinal indications. Nine field trips were made to the reserve of Fazenda Experimental Santa Rita of the Empresa de Pesquisa Agropecuária de Minas Gerais (FESR/EPAMIG) (19°26’20” S and 44°09’15” W). The plant material collected was herborized, identified and incorporated into the collection of the Herbarium PAMG/EPAMIG. The classification system used was the APG III. After identification, we carried out a literature search to find data about the medical use of the species. 108 species were collected, belonging to 47 families. The most representative families were Fabaceae, with 16 species, Myrtaceae with seven species, Asteraceae and Rubiaceae with six species each, Malpighiaceae and Solanaceae with five species each, Erythroxylaceae, Euphorbiaceae and Vochysiaceae, with four species each, Anacardiaceae, Apocynaceae, Lamiaceae and Sapindaceae with three species each, Annonaceae, Arecaceae, Bignoniaceae, Celastraceae and Primulaceae with two species each. Twenty-nine families were monoespecific. From the 108 species, 39 are trees (36%), 43 are shrubs (40%), six are subshrubs (5.5%), 14 are climbing (13%) and six are herbs (5.5%). Sixty-six (61%) species belonging to 39 families (83%) are commonly used for the treatment of diseases. The families with the highest number of medicinal species were the Fabaceae with eight species; the Rubiaceae with five species and the Solanaceae with four species. The species showing more therapeutic purposes were: Brosimum gaudichaudii Trécul (Moraceae), Caryocar brasiliense Cambess. (Caryocaraceae), Cochlospermum regium (Mart. Ex Schrank) Pilg. (Bixaceae), Croton urucurana Bail. (Euphorbiaceae), Gomphrena officinalis Mart. (Amaranthaceae), Hymenaea stigonocarpa Mart. ex Hayne (Fabaceae), Lithrea molleoides (Vell.) Engl. (Anacardiaceae), Myracrodruon urundeuva Allemão (Anacardiaceae) and Randia. armata (Sw.) DC. (Rubiaceae). The therapeutic purposes indicated by the highest number of species were: tonic (15 spp., 22.7%), diseases of the respiratory system (13 spp., 19.6%), skin affections (12 spp., 18%) and fever (12 spp., 18%). The traditional knowledge of medicinal plants of the Cerrado should be investigated further in order to be preserved and enhanced. In that sense, conservation measures should be taken for these plants do not disappear before their traditional use is supported by science.

Estructura y diversidad de la vegetación del Parque Nacional Natural de la Isla Gorgona, Colombia / Structure and diversity of the vegetation of the Gorgona Island National Natural Park, Colombia

Gorgona is a continental island in the Pacific of Colombia. We studied the structure and diversity of its vegetation with 16 Gentry transects (total area 0.16ha) in nine sites on the island. With these data, we calculate Importance Value Index (IVI), distribution of individuals according to their height and diameter at breast height (DBH), cumulative species curves, and species diversity. The vegetation is mainly secondary forest, with remnants of primary forest on the hills. By density, frequency, and coverage, the most important family is Rubiaceae, with 0.275 IVF. The species with the highest IVI (0.157) is Lacistema aggregatum (Lacistemataceae). In height and diameter classes (DBH), individuals have an inverted “J” distribution. The plant community has a Shannon-Wiener diversity index of 3.98. The cumulative species curve of the plant community does not level off even after more than ten transects. Transects were grouped in the similarity analysis but not strongly. There were species richness differences among transects. Rev. Biol. Trop. 62 (Suppl. 1): 13-26. Epub 2014 February 01.

En este trabajo, se estudió la estructura y diversidad de la vegetación en isla Gorgona, a través de 16 transectos de Gentry (área total de 0.16ha), distribuidos en nueve sitios de la isla. Se calculó el índice de Valor de Importancia para la especie y la familia (IVI e IVF respectivamente), la distribución de los individuos en función de su altura y diámetro a la altura del pecho (DAP ), las curvas de especies acumuladas , y la diversidad de especies. La vegetación de isla Gorgona estuvo conformada principalmente por bosque secundario, con restos de bosque primario en las partes altas de los cerros. De acuerdo con la densidad, la frecuencia, y la cobertura, la familia más importante fue Rubiaceae (IVF=0.275), mientras que la especie con el IVI más alto fue Lacistema aggregatum (Lacistemataceae, IVI=0.157). De acuerdo con la altura y clases de diámetro (DAP), la distribución de los individuos describió una forma de “J” invertida, con un valor de diversidad (H’) calculado de 3.98. Incluso después de más de diez transectos de muestreo, la curva de acumulación de especies no se niveló. Con base en el análisis de similitud, se estableció que los transectos estuvieron agrupados en zonas, de las cuales cuatro tuvieron un soporte estadístico, siendo incluso la riqueza de especies diferente entre los transectos.

Plants Diversity along Watershed Environment: A Case Study at Ikot Uso Akpan Wildlife Sanctuary in Itu L.G.A. of Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria.

Plant diversity and soil characteristics were studied along watershed environment in Ikot Uso Akpan Wildlife Sanctuary of Itu Local Government Area, Akwa Ibom state. The systematic sampling method was used to sample the vegetation in 10m x10m quadrats. Plants were identified to species level. Vegetation attributes such as frequency, density, height, basal area and crown cover, were measured for each species. In each quadrat, two soil samples were collected and bulked into one composite sample. A total of twenty soil samples were collected. Soil physicochemical properties were analyzed in the Soil Science Laboratory of University of Uyo, Uyo. 42 plant species belonging to 33 families and 38 genera were identified in all the sampling area. The results showed that Elaeis guineensis was the most abundant species with 70% frequency of occurrence while Rauvolfia vomitoria was the least with 10% frequency of occurence. Carpolobia lutea had the highest mean density of 250±0.00stems/ha while 6 plant species had the least mean density of 25±0.00stems/ha. Brachystegia eurycoma had the highest mean height while Aframomum sceptrum was the shortest plant. Brachystegia eurycoma had the highest mean basal area of 1.10±0.001m2/ha, while Costus afer had the smallest mean basal area of 0.00002±0.000008m2/ha. Brachystegia eurycoma had the highest mean crown cover of 213.71±0.00m2/ha, while Aframomum sceptrum had the smallest mean crown cover of 0.077±0.009m2/ha. The soil was slightly acidic with pH mean value of 5.41±0.15. Organic Carbon, Total Nitrogen, Sodium and Potassium were low with mean values of 1.53±0.33%, 0.07±0.01%, 0.06±0.004 Cmol/kg and 0.10±0.01 Cmol/kg, respectively. Among the heavy metals, Iron (Fe) had the highest mean value of 36.16±8.94mg/kg, followed by Manganese (Mn) with mean value of 6.48±0.46mg/kg. The soil had high sand content of 89.20±0.80%, and low silt and clay contents of 5.40±0.20% and 5.40±0.60%, respectively. Linear regression of soil parameters and vegetation components showed that soil characteristics affected the abundance and distribution of vegetation components. This indicates that they play a vital role in plants diversity and distribution along watershed environments.

Prosopis laevigata and Mimosa biuncifera (Leguminosae), jointly influence plant diversity and soil fertility of a Mexican semiarid ecosystem

Prosopis laevigata and Mimosa biuncifera are frequently found in arid and semiarid shrublands, but scarce information is available about their influence on plant community structure and soil fertility. We compared plant community structure, diversity and soil nutrients of three semiarid shrubland sites located in Mezquital Valley, Mexico. These sites differ in their dominant species: Site 1 (Bingu) P. laevigata, Site 2 (González) M. biuncifera, and Site 3 (Rincón) with the presence of both legumes. The results showed that the plant community with P. laevigata and M. biuncifera (Site 3) had more cover, taller plants and higher plant diversity than sites with only one legume (Site 1 and Site 2). Soil organic matter (SOM), soil organic carbon (SOC), total nitrogen (TN), phosphorus-Olsen (P) and C mineralization were higher in the soil under the canopy of both legumes than in bare soil. In contrast, soil cation concentrations were lower under the canopy of P. laevigata, but not for M. biuncifera. In addition, the density of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi spores was higher within the soil under the canopy of M. biuncifera than in the soil under the canopy of P. laevigata. Thus, resource islands (RI) created by P. laevigata increased the amounts of SOC, TN and P when compared with the RI of M. biuncifera. This study provided evidences about the importance of species identity in order to expand the niche availability for the establishment of other plants, and highlights that P. laevigata and M. biuncifera jointly influencing plant colonization within semiarid ecosystems.

Prosopis laevigata y Mimosa biuncifera coexisten en los matorrales semiáridos; sin embargo, se desconoce su influencia sobre la diversidad de la comunidad vegetal y el suelo. Este estudio evaluó el efecto de P. laevigata y M. biuncifera sobre la estructura, diversidad vegetal y nutrimentos del suelo, en tres matorrales del Valle del Mezquital, México. Los sitios difieren en la especie dominante: Sitio 1, P. laevigata; Sitio 2, M. biuncifera y Sitio 3, ambas leguminosas. En cada sitio se recolectó suelo, tanto abajo y fuera del dosel de las leguminosas, además, se realizaron transectos para medir e identificar las plantas arbóreas y arbustivas, se calculó el índice de valor de importancia y la diversidad del matorral. Asimismo, se registró mayor riqueza y diversidad en el Sitio 3 (ICE 29 spp. y H’ 2.7), en comparación con el Sitio 1 (24 spp. y 2.4) y Sitio 2 (26 spp. y 2.1). La materia orgánica y el carbono orgánico del suelo, así como el N total, el P-Olsen y la mineralización de C fueron mayores en el suelo bajo dosel de ambas leguminosas. La abundancia de esporas de hongos micorrizógenos arbusculares fue favorecida por M. biunficera. La influencia de P. laevigata para crear islas más ricas en recursos fue mayor que en M. biunficera, lo anterior sugiere que cada leguminosa modifica de una forma diferente el microambiente, sin embargo, juntas aumentan la disponibilidad de nichos para el establecimiento de otras especies, lo queayuda a comprender el papel de P. laevigata y M. biuncifera sobre la colonización vegetal en ecosistemas semiáridos.

Plantas medicinais em quintais urbanos de Rio Branco, Acre / Medicinal plants in urban backyards in Rio Branco, Acre

Este trabalho teve como objetivo realizar levantamento das espécies vegetais de uso medicinal cultivadas em quintais urbanos da cidade de Rio Branco. Foram realizadas entrevistas presenciais com aplicação de questionário especifico registrando as espécies vegetais de uso medicinal e dados sócio-econômicos dos moradores em 132 quintais urbanos de Rio Branco entre 2009 e 2010. Os bairros selecionados para o estudo foram: Aeroporto Velho, Placas, e Novo Horizonte, todos situados na periferia do município. Foram detectadas 83 espécies vegetais de uso medicinal pertencente a 50 famílias botânicas com destaque para Lamiaceae (12,0%) e Asteraceae (6,0%), sendo 66,2% exóticas, e 28,9% e 16,8%, associadas ao uso alimentar e ornamental, respectivamente. A decocção das folhas visando à obtenção do chá foi o principal modo de preparo das plantas. A análise de regressão logística entre a riqueza de espécies e diversos fatores socioeconômicos dos entrevistados mostrou que a probabilidade de ocorrência de espécies é três vezes maior em quintais manejados por moradores com idade superior a 50 anos de idade. A análise de correlação não paramétrica de fatores quantitativos mostrou que a variável tempo de moradia está mais correlacionada com a riqueza de plantas medicinais do que a variável idade. O cultivo das plantas medicinais em quintais urbanos de Rio Branco auxilia no combate a doenças e promove a conservação ex situ da agrobiodiversidade agroflorestal, bem estar aos moradores pela melhoria da paisagem, ambiência microclimática e espaço de lazer.

This study aimed to survey the medicinal plant species grown in urban backyards in the city of Rio Branco. Personal interviews were conducted by applying a specific questionnaire recording the plant species of medicinal use and the socioeconomic data of residents in 132 urban backyards in Rio Branco between 2009 and 2010. The districts selected for the study were "Aeroporto Velho", "Placas" and "Novo Horizonte", all situated on the outskirts of the city. We detected 83 medicinal plant species belonging to 50 botanical families, especially Lamiaceae (12.0%) and Asteraceae (6.0%), of which 66.2% are exotic, and 28.9% and 16.8% are associated with food and ornamental use, respectively. Decoction of the leaves in order to obtain tea was the main mode of preparation of these plants. Logistic regression analysis between species richness and various socioeconomic factors of the interviewees showed that the probability of occurrence of species is threefold higher in backyards managed by residents older than 50 years. Nonparametric correlation analysis of quantitative factors showed that the variable time of residence is more correlated to the richness of medicinal plants than to the variable age. Cultivation of medicinal plants in urban backyards in Rio Branco helps prevent diseases and promote ex situ conservation of agroforest agrobiodiversity, welfare to the residents by improving the landscape, microclimate ambiance and entertainment space.

An overview of plant diversity of Kazdagi (Mt. Ida) Forest National Park, Turkey.

Kazdagi (Mt. Ida) forms the natural border between the provinces of Canakkale and Balikesir in northwestern Turkey. The highest peak (Karatas Hill) of this mountain is 1774 m. Kazdagi was declared a National Park in 1994 because of its rich plant cover. Its importance is mainly derived from the presence of a restricted zone of Abies nordmanniana ssp. equi-trojani forest as well as for its natural beauty and appearance in classical mythology. There are three vegetation types on Kazdagi, viz. forest vegetation, shrub vegetation and high mountain vegetation. There are 800 plant taxa recorded on Kazdagi. 198 of them are of particular ethnobotanical significance for this mountain. Kazdagi is accepted as one of the most important floristic areas of Turkey.

Diversity of regenerating plants and seed dispersal in two canopy trees from Colombian Amazon forests with different hunting pressure

Hunting may have drastic effects on some populations of frugivores and seed dispersal agents, which in turn may affect patterns of forest regeneration and plant diversity. However, when a species disappears, it is possible that the population of other species increases due to competition release, compensating or not, their ecological roles. The main aim of this study was to measure density compensation in primate communities, their possible effects on seedling and sapling diversity, and compensation of seed removal rates in two canopy trees (Apeiba aspera and Hymenaea oblongifolia). The study site was Amacayacu National Park (Colombian Amazon), where we carried out a census of mammal species using line transect methods in two forests with different levels of hunting pressure. Vegetation plots were used to quantify plant diversity for seedlings and saplings (4 m² and 25 m² respectively), and fruit traps were set up to estimate seed removal of A. aspera and H. oblongifolia. Large primates were less frequently encountered near human settlements, while small primates exhibited the opposite pattern, suggesting a density compensation effect. The diversity of regenerating plants was higher in the forest where large primates occur. Seed removal was higher in forests with large primates for A. aspera, but not for H. oblongifolia. Overall, the results support the hypothesis of density compensation on the primate community; however, there is no strong evidence of ecological compensation in terms of seed dispersal and regeneration in the species studied. Finally, the presence of large seed dispersers (e.g. Lagothrix lagothricha) was associated with higher plant diversity. Rev. Biol. Trop. 56 (3): 1531-1542. Epub 2008 September 30.

La cacería ha tenido fuertes efectos en algunas poblaciones de frugívoros y dispersores de semillas, lo cual en consecuencia puede afectar los patrones de diversidad de plantas y regeneración del bosque. Sin embargo, es posible que extinciones locales promuevan el incremento de otras especies, que pueden o no compensar roles ecológicos. El principal objetivo de este estudio fue examinar la posibilidad de compensación por densidad en las comunidades de primates y sus posibles efectos sobre la diversidad de plántulas y juveniles, así como también la remoción de semillas de dos árboles (Apeiba aspera e Hymenaea oblongifolia). El trabajo fue realizado en el Parque Nacional Natural Amacayacu (Amazonas - Colombia). Hicimos censos de mamíferos usando transectos lineales en dos bosques con diferentes presiones de cacería. Además, levantamos parcelas de vegetación para plántulas y juveniles (4 m² y 25 m² respectivamente), y ubicamos trampas de frutos bajo al menos seis árboles de cada especie, en cada bosque, para estimar la remoción de semillas. Los encuentros con primates grandes fueron menos frecuentes en bosques cerca de las comunidades indígenas, mientras que para los primates pequeños el patrón fue contrario, sugiriendo un efecto de compensación por densidad. Por otra parte, la diversidad de plántulas y juveniles fue más alta en bosques donde la densidad de primates grandes es mayor. La remoción de semillas fue mayor en bosques con mayor densidad de primates grandes para A. aspera, pero para H. oblongifolia las diferencias entre bosques no fueron significativas. En general, los resultados de este estudio apoyan la hipótesis de compensación por densidad en la comunidad de primates, sin embargo, no hay evidencia fuerte de compensación ecológica en términos de dispersión de semillas y regeneración. Finalmente, la presencia de dispersores grandes (ej. Lagothrix lagothricha) estuvo asociada con una mayor diversidad de plantas.

La vegetación de las lajas en la región de Lomerío, Santa Cruz, Bolivia

Estudiamos la riqueza y composición de especies vegetales en tres afloramientos rocosos (lajas) en Lomerío, Santa Cruz, Bolivia, dentro de un bosque seco tropical. Determinamos la variación de la vegetación desde el centro hacia el borde de las lajas, además que caracterizamos algunas especies propias de este hábitat. La riqueza de especies varía entre lajas, pero, en forma conjunta esta riqueza puede ser mayor a otros tipos de bosque aledaños a las lajas. La riqueza de especies fue mayor en el borde que en el centro de las lajas. En el borde de las lajas, la riqueza de especies varia según la distancia al centro de las lajas; la mayor riqueza se encontró en los primeros 10 m del borde. En el centro de las lajas Deuterocohnia meziana Kuntze ex Mez fue la especie más dominante, mientras que las especies más abundantes fueron D. meziana y Monvillea kroenleinii R. Kiesling. En el borde de las lajas Anthurium plowmanii Croat, Pseudananas sagenarius (Arruda) Camargo, Urera baccifera L., Casearia gossypiosperma Briq., Aspidosperma rigidum Rusby y Cereus tacuaralensis Cárdenas fueron las especies más abundantes. De acuerdo a las clases diamétricas, se puede considerar que existe regeneración natural para las principales especies arbóreas. Las lajas son hábitats muy importantes que deben considerarse dentro del manejo forestal de bosques naturales adyacentes, puesto que constituyen lugares de alta diversidad y endemismo de plantas y animales y que son refugios y fuentes de alimentación de muchas especies de animales.

Plant species richness and composition was studied on three rock outcrops (lajas) in a tropical dry forest in Lomerio, Bolivia. The variation in vegetation was determined from the center to the periphery of the influence of the rock outcrops and plant species indicators of rock outcrop habitats were identified. Species richness varied among lajas, but was higher in rock outcrop habitats compared to adjoining forests. Species richness was highest on the periphery of the rock outcrops compared to the vegetated islands on the center of the outcrop. The highest species richness was encountered 10 m from the vegetated border on the periphery of the pure rock surface. Deuterocohnia meziana Kuntze ex Mez was the most dominant (highest ground cover) plant species colonizing the center of the rock outcrops, while D. meziana and Monvillea kroenleinii R. Kiesling were the most abundant. On the periphery of the laja Anthurium plowmanii Croat, Pseudananas sagenarius (Arruda) Camargo, Urera baccifera L., Casearia gossypiosperma Briq., Aspidosperma rigidum Rusby and Cereus tacuaralensis Cárdenas were the most dominant species. Regeneration appears to be occurring for the principal tree species. Lajas are key habitats that should be considered in the natural management of forests in which they are imbedded. They constitute areas of high biodiversity and endemic species and are refuges and feeding areas for many animal species.