This paper describes the community organization of a cerrado area within the Caatinga Biome, semiarid Northeast Brazil, on the Araripe plateau, Barbalha Municipality, Ceará State. The phytosociological survey was carried out using the point-centered quarter method (200 points) and included plants with a minimum stem diameter of 3 cm at ground level. Relative parameters of density, dominance and cover (VC) were calculated. These data were compared with other brazilian cerrado areas. The cerrado area had 2224 ind.ha-1 with 19.2 m² ha-1 of basal area, which is lower than other cerrado areas in Brazil. A total of 43 species in 28 families were found in the area. Populations with greater density were Miconia albicans, Vismia guianensis and Casearia grandiflora, represented by low, slender shrubs. Byrsonima sericea and Qualea parviflora had greater VC; these are widespread species in cerrado, in spite of increased dryness as is the case of Araripe. Shannon diversity index (H') was 2.88 nats. ind.-1 and equability (J') 0.77. The disparity of criteria makes a more precise comparative analysis difficult and this is discussed.
cerrado; phytosociological survey; Araripe plateau; Northeast Brazil
