Phytosociology of the woody component of a vegetation area in Floriano, southern Piauí

Abstract

This study proposes to carry out a phytosociological inventory in a vegetation area with semi-arid characteristics, in the municipality of Floriano, southern region of the state of Piauí, aiming to minimize gaps in knowledge about the biome. In this state, phytophysiognomies are influenced by different ecosystems and present transitional areas (caatinga-cerrado) that are still poorly studied. A sampling of vegetation was carried out at the Experimental Farm of the Technical College of Floriano (CTF), whose quadrant points were arranged. Phytosociological parameters (basal area, relative dominance, relative frequency, and relative density) were calculated using Fitopac 2.1 software and RStudio. In the inventoried area, 684 individuals were recorded (643 living individuals and 41 dead), totaling 28 ethnospecies (common names), identified among 13 species, nine genera, three at family level and five unknowns. Combretaceae stood out in the studied area. Probably because it is a pioneer, heliophile and adapts well to the local climate. The variation in the number of species found in the different studies for the caatinga and/or cerrado can be explained by some factors such as topography, soil type and permeability, local rainfall, anthropogenic disturbances and even the inclusion criteria for sample selection. This research is essential for developing conservation strategies due to the knowledge and record of the different floristic and phytophysiognomic environments of the local flora.