Structure, floristic composition and similarity in the Atlantic Ombrophilous Dense Forest, in areas of the Serra do Mar State Park, Caraguatatuba Center

Abstract

In order to monitor possible impacts of climate change and mitigate the disappearance of the Atlantic Forest biodiversity hotspot, it is necessary to understand its diversity. We present data from the Serra do Mar State Park (PESM), Caraguatatuba Center (NCR) with the main objective of floristic, phytosociological knowledge and similarity of forest areas. The data were collected in permanent plots of 1 ha, including species with a diameter ≥ 15 cm (PAP; 1.30 m above the ground) for knowledge of the areas and for similarity tests between the plots of the Picinguaba and Santa Virgínia Center, from the same altitudinal range. Floristic tables of the areas, UPGMA analysis and Mantel test are presented to verify the grouping of the areas. The families with the highest Importance Value Index were Euphorbiaceae, Myrtaceae, Rubiaceae, Lauraceae, Arecaceae and Fabaceae in the NCR Submontana 1 plot and Myrtaceae, Sapotaceae, Monimiaceae, Nyctaginaceae, Lauraceae, Arecaceae and Rubiaceae in the NCR Montana 1 plot. By carrying out tests it was possible to evaluate similarities between the areas. In some cases, there was dissimilarity, which could be linked to possible environmental factors and anthropic factors, but the confirmation of which was not tested, suggesting future studies in the medium and long term.