ABSTRACT
The purpose of this study was to measure the adaptive capacity, based on data from specific leaf area (SLA) and petiole length (PL) of Cerrado’s native species of two areas in recovery compared with control subjects. 5 species were selected in Area 1 (intense luminosity) and 10 species were selected in Area 2 (intense luminosity). There were significant differences between species of the two areas and the control subjects, for the most species evaluated. The SLA and PL, unlike what was expected, were significantly higher in Area 2 than control (shading). However, the most species in Area 1 had SLA and PL equal to or less than control and species of Area 2. Therefore, the studied species have ability to adjust its morphology and probably also physiology for acclimatization to the environments with intense luminosity. Thus, these are potential species for use in environmental recovery programs.
Keywords:
Degraded areas; Specific leaf area; Pentiole Length