ABSTRACT
The Caatinga, an exclusively Brazilian biome, stands as a reservoir of remarkable biodiversity. Its significance transcends ecological dimensions, given the direct reliance of the local population on its resources for sustenance and healthcare. While Myrtaceae, a pivotal botanical family within the Brazilian flora, has been extensively explored for its medicinal and nutritional attributes, scant attention has been directed towards its contextual relevance within the Caatinga's local communities. Consequently, this inaugural systematic review addresses the ethnobotanical roles of Myrtaceae within the Caatinga, meticulously anchored in the PRISMA 2020 guidelines. We searched Scopus, MEDLINE/Pubmed, Scielo, and LILIACS. No date-range filter was applied. An initial pool of 203 articles was carefully scrutinized, ultimately yielding 31 pertinent ethnobotanical studies elucidating the utility of Myrtaceae amongst the Caatinga's indigenous populations. Collectively, they revealed seven distinct utilization categories spanning ~54 species and 11 genera. Psidium and Eugenia were the genera with the most applications. The most cited categories of use were food (27 species) and medicinal (22 species). The importance of accurate species identification was highlighted, as many studies did not provide enough information for reliable identification. Additionally, the potential contribution of Myrtaceae fruits to food security and human health was explored. The diversity of uses demonstrates how this family is a valuable resource for local communities, providing sources of food, medicine, energy, and construction materials. This systematic review also highlights the need for more ethnobotanical studies to understand fully the relevance of Myrtaceae species in the Caatinga, promoting biodiversity conservation, as well as support for local populations.
ABSTRACT
This study verified the differences in richness, density and species composition of the seed bank under the canopy s tree species and the adjacent field area and the relationship of total stem height and crown area to density and richness bank seeds. The seed bank was collected under the canopy of 10 individuals of each species (Curatella americana L., Luetzelburgia auriculata (Allemão) Duckee, Copernicia prunifera (Mill.) H.E.Moore)), and at 10 points in an adjacent field area. The density and richness of the seed bank was larger under the crowns of the species. The total stem height showed a positive relationship with richness and density of the seed bank, and a canopy area negative relationship. The tree species studied enhance the generation of seed bank, increasing its richness and density. They also influence species distribution and local diversity.
Este estudo verificou as diferenças na riqueza, densidade e composição de espécies do banco de sementes sob a copa es espécies arbóreas e a área de campo adjacentes e a relação entre altura total do caule e área da copa com a densidade e riqueza do banco de sementes. Foram coletados o banco de sementes sob a copa de 10 indivíduos de cada espécies (Curatella americana L., Luetzelburgia auriculata (Allemão) Duckee, Copernicia prunifera (Mill.) H.E.Moore)), e em 10 pontos em área de campo adjacente. A densidade e riqueza do banco de sementes foram maiores sob as copas das espécies. A altura do caule apresentou relação positiva com riqueza e densidade do banco de sementes e, área da copa relação negativa. As espécies arbóreas estudadas potencializam a formação de banco de sementes, aumentando a riqueza e densidade. Também influenciam na distribuição das espécies e na diversidade local.
