The present study describes the composition of the natural regeneration and seed rain under three early successional tree species Centrolobium tomentosum Guill. ex Benth. (Fabaceae), Cordia myxa L. (Boraginaceae) and Melia azedarach L. (Meliaceae) in a 15 year-old mixed plantation. Fifteen individuals of each species were selected, and under each crown two seed traps (1 m² each; total of 90 seed traps) were set, they were sampled monthly for one year. The natural regeneration was evaluated in circular plots (17.6 m²) established under the projection of the crowns, where all individuals of woody species between 0.3 m and 2.0 m in height were counted and identified. The seed rain had higher mean density under M. azedarach and higher richness under C. myxa. Species diversity of natural regeneration was higher under M. azedarach and individuals were taller under C. myxa. Most of the individuals and species sampled were from early successional species, mainly exotic species. It is discussed the development of microsites and their influence on the community structure and composition.
canopy; forest restoration; natural regeneration; seed rain
