LEVANTAMENTO FLORÍSTICO E SUA IMPORTÂNCIA PARA A MANUTENÇÃO DA BIODIVERSIDADE NO JARDIM BOTÂNICO DE RIO VERDE, GOIÁS

Abstract

This study aimed to conduct a floristic survey of the tree stratum of the ecological trail at the Botanical Garden of the Instituto Federal Goiano - Campus Rio Verde, in order to identify and characterize the plant species present, contributing to the knowledge of the regional flora and to conservation and management actions for the native vegetation of the Cerrado. Collections were carried out along two continuous transects, 5 meters wide, covering both sides of the trail, and all shrubby-arboreal individuals with a circumference at breast height (CBH) ≥ 8 cm were recorded. Seventy-two species distributed in 53 genera and 27 families were identified, with Fabaceae being the most representative. The results showed low floristic diversity, a consequence of the high dominance of Senegalia polyphylla (37.43%) and Anadenanthera colubrina (11.81%), which together concentrated most of the sampled individuals. The diameter distribution showed a pattern tending towards an inverted J shape, characteristic of communities in equilibrium, with a predominance of young individuals and continuous recruitment. The floristic composition was mostly formed by native species, with a low occurrence of exotic and naturalized species, in addition to the record of endangered species, such as Paubrasilia echinata. Thus, it was concluded that the tree stratum of the Botanical Garden presents a consolidated and functional structure, although with restricted species diversity. The survey contributes to the knowledge of the local vegetation, offering subsidies for the planning of management, conservation and environmental education actions, reinforcing the role of the Botanical Garden as a strategic space for the preservation of Cerrado biodiversity.