The objective of the present work was to study the structure of a stand of Submontane Semi-deciduous Forest, in Rio Doce State Park (19º29'-19º48'S e 42º28'-42º38'W). In order to sample the tree component, the point-centered-quarter method was employed according to two different protocols: in one including the dead individuals, and in the other excluding them. A total of 200 sampling points were allocated in 20 parallel lines, along a hillside. A total of 143 species, belonging to 109 recognized genera and 38 botanical families was found. The main species were Bixa arborea, Guatteria schomburgkiana, Joannesia princeps, Aparisthmium cordatum, Pseudopiptadenia contorta and Carpotroche brasiliensis. The size of the populations and their distribution throughout the environment determined the prominence of these species, with the exception of P. contorta, which was represented by few large individuals. The diameter and height distributions evidenced few individuals of great size, a fact probably linked to a history of burning a 1967. The fire history and the low occurrence of climax species suggest that the forest stand studied is in a medium stage of secondary succession.
Phytosociology; phytosociological structure; semideciduous forest
