Sapling Survival and Growth in a Restoration Project of a Drained Wetland Forest in Southeastern Brazil

Abstract

The aim of this research was to evaluate the survival and growth of native tree saplings planted in a drained Mauritia flexuosa palm swamp (vereda) in southeastern Brazil, and to identify suitable species for restoration projects in these hygrophilous environments. Total sapling survival at one-year post-planting was 48%. The species with highest sapling survival and growth were Croton urucurana, Cecropia pachystachya, Erythroxylum citrifolium, Hirtella gracilipes and Tapirira guianensis. Lowest survival and growth were found in Mauritia flexuosa, Piper aduncum, Calophyllum brasiliense, Calyptranthes brasiliensis, Myrsine umbellata, Ladenbergia cujabensis and Ficus sp. We indicate the high-survival species for the restoration of these environments. Typical wetland species attained low survival and growth, indicating the negative influence of anthropization on this ecosystem’s resilience, and highlighting the importance of studies investigating suitable strategies to restore them.

Keywords:
Croton urucurana; Cecropia pachystachya; Erythroxylum citrifolium; Hirtella gracilipes; Tapirira guianensis