Abstract
This study aimed to characterize the floristic composition and community structure of vascular epiphytes in 13 green areas of Juiz de Fora, in the State of Minas Gerais, Brazil. The calculated parameters were relative and absolute frequencies, Shannon diversity (H') and Pielou evenness (J) indices. 56 species belonging to 22 families were recorded, with the richest species being Bromeliaceae (eight spp.). Tillandsia tricholepis, T. recurvata, Microgramma squamulosa, and Rhipsalis lindbergiana were dominant (comprising 79.5% of relative frequency). Most species were accidental epiphytes (26 spp.), probably due to an effect of the disturbed environment. The richest and most diverse area was the Parque Halfeld (26 species and H’=2.2), which is also the oldest sampled area. There was a higher concentration of epiphytes in the tree crowns, possibly representing a response to anthropic actions. The results highlighted the importance of thorough studies to achieve a better understanding of this ecologically relevant synusia in such disturbed environments.
Keywords:
Atlantic forest; Serra da Mantiqueira; urban vegetation; Zona da Mata
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