The southernmost region of Chapada Diamantina, nearest to Rio de Contas harbours the highest peaks of the Brazilian northeastern region, including Pico do Barbado (2,033 m.a.s.l.) and the source of the two important rivers in Bahia state (Rio de Contas and Rio Paramirim). The region is well known botanically. This was the first quantitative study to survey the floristic composition of 12 fragments of montane forests (1,350 m.a.s.l. to 1750 m.a.s.l.) including trees > 8 cbh. A total of 117 species, 84 genera and 48 families were found. The richest families were Myrtaceae (N=20) and Lauraceae (N=10). The richest genera were Ocotea (N=7), Myrcia (N=5), Eugenia (N=4) and Miconia (N=4). Most species had wide geographic distributions, but some are found only in montane forests of southeastern and southern Brazil such as Drimys brasiliensis Miers (Winteraceae) and Weinmannia paulliniifolia Pohl (Cunnoniacae). The fragments studied have low similarity with seasonally dry tropical forests that surround Chapada Diamantina, emphasizing the uniqueness of these forests and the need for protection.
tree diversity; high mountain forest; Chapada Diamantina; phytogeography
