This study aimed to identify the strategies of propagules dispersion, spatial distribution and vertical stratification of tree species in an Araucaria Forest in Lages, SC. For sampling of the tree component, 25, 20 x 20 m (400 m2), plots were allocated, where all living trees with diameter at breast height (dbh, measured at 1,30 m height) higher or equal to 5 cm had the botanical identity determined and the total height estimated. Tree species found outside the plots, through random walks in the fragment, were recorded in order to complement the floristic list. The species were classified according to: i) their dispersion syndrome in zoochory, anemochory and autochory; ii) spatial distribution patterns of individuals, considering the random, clustered and regular distributions; and iii) vertical position in forest, being categorized as upper, intermediary and lower stratum. The survey totaled 87 species, with the predominance of zoochoric, random distributed species, occupying the upper vertical stratum. The knowledge of these attributes of tree species populations may support the conservation and management strategies of forest fragments in the study region, since it allow a better understanding of species ecology.
Araucaria Forest; Tree height; Dispersion syndrome
