Metrodorea pubescens is an abundant tree in the forests of the Distrito Federal, occurring in mesophytic forests (on calcareous soils) and in gallery forests (acidic soils). In both forest types all leaves from 15 small individuals from five individuals in each of three height classes (5-50, 50-100, 100-150 cm) were collected. The leaves were separated in three categories; new, mature and senescent, and then dried and analyzed for the following elements: P, K, Ca, Mg and Al. The concetration of nutrientes in the leaves was similar in all height classes, except for al which showed lower concentration in the smallest individuals (5-50 cm). New leaves showed higher concentration of P and K. On the other hand Ca, Mg and Al were higher in the mature leaves. The concentration of P decreased from mature leaves to senescent leaves. The plants from calcareous soil showed higher concentration of Ca and lower concentration of K than plants of acidic soil. The values of P, Mg and Al were similar in both forests. The differences between populations could possibly be explained by soil type, but other factors such as the physiological behavior of plants should also be considered. Plants from the acidic soil can be calcifuge and plants from the calcareous soil can be calcicole.
Metrodorea pubescens; leaf nutrients; gallery forest; mesophytic forest