We studied floristic composition variation and its conections to elevation and exposure in the grassland vegetation of Morro da Polícia, a hill of granitic origin in the city of Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, 30ºS e 51 ºW. The survey took place from November 1992 to November 1994. Species presence and frequency were assessed by using the point method on transects in 19 vegetation units, which were delimited by slope exposure and elevation (160 to 280m). Data were subjected to cluster analysis and ordination. Based on data from transects we detected 189 species, mainly from the Poaceae, Asteraceae and Apiaceae families, with Trachypogon montufari and Schizachyrium tenerum as dominant species. Cluster analysis and ordination revealed conections of vegetation variation with elevation and exposure. Aristida laevis and Sorghastrum albescens are characteristic of more exposed comunities (N and NE slopes), while Agenium villosum and Eryngium eriophorum are from less exposed communities (on S and SW slopes). Vernonia nudiflora and Axonopus suffultus are characteristic of higher elevation areas on the hill, while Eupatorium ligulifolium and Sorghastrum albescens are characteristic of lower elevation areas.
elevation; exposure; grassland; multivariate analysis; phytosociology