The present study describes species richness and diversity, and analyses phythossociologic aspects of a riparian forest at Rio da Prata, Jardim district, Mato Grosso do Sul State, Brazil. The phytosociological study was carried out on six 150 m transects perpendicular to the river subdivided in 90 quadrats (10 m×10 m). All trees and shrubs with a minimum of 3,18 cm diameter at breast height were recorded, totalizing 661 individuals of 33 families, 57 genera and 66 species. The families with high number of species are Meliaceae, Mimosaceae, Sapindaceae, Euphorbiaceae, Fabaceae, Myrtaceae and Rutaceae. The species with the highest importance values are Myrcianthes pungens (O. Berg) D. Legrand, Adelia membranifolia (Müll. Arg.) Chodat & Hassl., Dalbergia sp., Holocalyx balansae Micheli, Unonopsis lindmanii R.E. Fr., Guarea kunthiana A. Juss., Trichilia claussenii C. DC., Guarea guidonea (L.) Sleumer, Averrhoidium paraguaiense Radlk. and Astronium graveolens Jacq. The Shannon diversity index is H'=3,413 nats/individual and eqüability is J=0,815. The density and basal area are respectively 734,44 ind./ha and 21,32 m²/ha. The results obtained in this study reinforce the protection of belt of riparian vegetation in the Rio da Prata, and will support management and restoration projects in these ecosystems.
riparian vegetation; community of trees and shrubs; phytossociologic; Serra da Bodoquena
