THESIS

Floristic composition of the woody lianas community in two forest formations of São Paulo State

Renata Giassi Udulutsch

ABSTRACT

Having in mind the need of a detailed study of the forest formations in São Paulo State, for defining floristic composition and understanding its dynamic process, this study has as main goals: a survey and identification of the woody lianas species in a Tropical Rain Forest at Parque Estadual Carlos Botelho (P.E.C.B.) and in a Seasonal Semideciduous Forest at Estação Ecológica dos Caetetus (E.E.C.), and a field illustrated guide with photographs, diagnoses and identification keys based on vegetative characters for woody lianas species of the sub-plots sampled. For the two areas above, 50 sub-plots of 20 X 20 m were chosen at random among 256 of the tematic project "Diversity, dinamic and conservation of forests in the São Paulo State: 40 ha of permanent plots". Random collections were made in trails and on the border of the remnants. It was called "lianas" climbing plants that kept permanent contact with the ground. Seventy six woody lianas species were found at E.E.C., grouped in 52 genera and 19 families, and at P.E.C.B. 49 species, 40 genera and 19 families were found. Photographs of the useful lianas essential characters were taken in the field and at the laboratory for each of its species. With these data a field illustrated guide was produced for the woody lianas. For climbing strategies, seizing was the most common technique for the majority of species (57%) at E.E.C., and at P.E.C.B. the twining form was most representative, apearing in 45% of the sampled species, evidencing that, in neotropical regions, one of the factors related to the adaptative success of the lianas refers to their specialization in climbing methods.

Key-words: Lianas; floristic composition; climbing strategies

Dissertação (mestrado) - Escola Superior de Agricultura Luiz de Queiroz, 2004.

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