ESTRUTURA FITOSSOCIOLÓGICA DE UM TRECHO DE VEGET AÇÃO ARBÓREA NO P ARQUE ESTADUAL DO RIO DOCE - MINAS GERAIS, BRASIL 1

ABSTRACT – (Phytosociological structure of a stand of arboreal vegetation in Rio Doce State Park - Minas Gerais,Brazil). The objective of the present work was to study the structure of a stand of Submontane Semi-deciduousForest, in Rio Doce State Park (19 o 29’-19 48’S e 42 o 28’-42 38’W). In order to sample the tree component, thepoint-centered-quarter method was employed according to two different protocols: in one including the deadindividuals, and in the other excluding them. A total of 200 sampling points were allocated in 20 parallel lines, alonga hillside. A total of 143 species, belonging to 109 recognized genera and 38 botanical families was found. The mainspecies were Bixa arborea , Guatteria schomburgkiana , Joannesia princeps , Aparisthmium cordatum , Pseudopiptadenia contorta and Carpotroche brasiliensis . The size of the populations and their distribution throughoutthe environment determined the prominence of these species, with the exception of P. contorta , which was representedby few large individuals. The diameter and height distributions evidenced few individuals of great size, a factprobably linked to a history of burning a 1967. The fire history and the low occurrence of climax species suggest thatthe forest stand studied is in a medium stage of secondary succession.