ABSTRACT The present study aims to analyze the potential of areas for the implementation of ecological corridors. The study area represents a transition between the Atlantic Forest and Cerrado domains and is extensively fragmented. Geographic Information System was used to determine suitable areas for the implementation of ecological corridors based on their ecological and structural potential, while multi-criteria classification was used to generate a final ecological map of the area. Weights and notes were assigned to vegetation class, river width, elevation and declivity in their respective maps, which were overlaid using ArcGis 10.3 software. Structural analysis of the area used the landscape metrics mean area, mean shape and total edge of fragments and mean connectivity among fragments in Fragstats software. The results indicated an ecologically and structurally suitable area for the implementation of ecological corridors in the study area.

RESUMO O presente estudo tem como propósito analisar áreas potenciais para a implantação de Corredores Ecológicos. Atualmente a área encontra-se fragmentada e está sob os domínios de Cerrado e Mata Atlântica. Baseado no Sistema de Informações Geográficas, foram determinadas possíveis áreas, do ponto de vista ecológico e estrutural, para a implantação dos Corredores Ecológicos. Para a geração do mapa final de potencial ecológico da área, utilizou-se a metodologia de classificação por múltiplos critérios. Foram atribuídos pesos e notas às classes de vegetação, largura dos rios, altitude e declividade em seus respectivos mapas. Após a determinação dos pesos e notas, realizou-se a sobreposição dos mapas no software ArcGis 10.3. Para analise estrutural da área utilizou-se às métricas de paisagem área média, formato médio e borda total dos fragmentos e conectividade média entre os fragmentos no software Fragstats. Os resultados apontaram para uma área ecologicamente e estruturalmente viável para a implantação dos Corredores Ecológicos na área de estudo.

Resumo Este trabalho teve como objetivo avaliar o efeito de concentrações de ácido indolbutírico (AIB) no enraizamento de miniestacas caulinar e foliar de Khaya grandifoliola (Meliaceae), conhecida popularmente como mogno-africano. Foram utilizadas minicepas obtidas a partir de mudas de origem seminal. As miniestacas caulinares e foliares apresentavam comprimento de 4 e 8 cm respectivamente, com área foliar reduzida a 75%. As bases das miniestacas foram imersas em quatro concentrações de AIB (0, 500, 1000 e 2000 mg L-1) por 20 segundos. Os experimentos foram instalados em delineamento inteiramente casualizado com quatro tratamentos, três repetições e doze miniestacas por repetição. Logo depois do estaqueamento, as miniestacas foram mantidas em casa de vegetação por 90 dias. Após esse período, para as miniestacas foliares foram avaliados a porcentagem de enraizamento e o número de raízes, já para as miniestacas caulinares, analisaram-se apenas seis miniestacas por repetição, avaliando a porcentagem de sobrevivência e enraizamento. As miniestacas caulinares restantes foram transferidas para casa de sombra, onde permaneceram por mais 30 dias, e posteriormente (120 dias após o estaqueamento) avaliaram-se porcentagem de sobrevivência e enraizamento, altura, diâmetro do coleto, e massa seca da parte aérea e raízes. As miniestacas foliares não foram consideradas adequadas para a propagação do mogno-africano, uma vez que não houve desenvolvimento da parte aérea. Para as miniestacas caulinares, a concentração de 2000 mg L-1 de AIB foi a que apresentou a maior taxa de enraizamento (72%), sendo recomendada para a propagação vegetativa por miniestaquia da espécie.

Abstract The objective of this work was to evaluate the effect of concentrations of indolebutyric acid (IBA) on rooting of stem and leaf minicuttings of Khaya grandifoliola (Meliaceae), popularly known as African mahogany. Mini-stumps used were obtained from seminal origin seedlings. The minicuttings stem and leaf had length of 4 and 8 cm, respectively, with the leaf area reduced to 75%. The bases of the minicuttings were immersed in four concentrations of IBA (0, 500, 1000 and 2000 mg L-1) for 20 seconds. The experiments were installed in a completely randomized design with four treatments, three replicates and twelve minicuttings per replicate. Shortly after staking, the minicuttings were kept in a greenhouse for 90 days. After this period, for leaf minicuttings the percentage of rooting and the number of roots were evaluated, already stem minicuttings, only six minicuttings were analyzed per repetition, evaluating the percentage of survival and rooting. The remaining stem cuttings were transferred to the shade house, where they remained for 30 days and posteriorly (120 days after staking) the percentage of survival and rooting, height, diameter of the collection, and dry mass of the aerial part and roots were evaluated. Leaf minicuttings were not considered suitable for the propagation of the African mahogany, since there was no development of the aerial part. For stem cuttings, the concentration of 2000 mg L-1 of IBA was the one with the highest rooting rate (72%), is recommended for the vegetative propagation by minicuttings of the species.

Abstract Fragmentation of natural areas alters the natural landscape, removing native vegetation and creating an anthropic matrix. In order to better understand the consequences of grazing in areas of campo rupestre and forest, the present study aimed to analyze changes in the vegetation of Cerrado and Atlantic Forest, in the Southern Espinhaço, between 1979 and 2015. The vegetation of the study area was identified as arboreal (forest), or herbaceous or shrubby (campo rupestre) by visual classification of a mosaic of aerial photographs from 1979 and the supervised classification of land use from a Landsat 8 image from 2015. Differences in vegetation were analyzed using a transition matrix based on the “Markov model”, which indicated conversions of vegetation classes due to the misuse of land, mainly as pasture. The results indicate the conversion of arboreal vegetation area into areas of exotic herbaceous vegetation, and stability in the area of shrubby vegetation.

RESUMO: O objetivo do trabalho foi determinar o padrão espacial e a associação espacial de grupos de árvores comerciais da Amazônia.Realizou-se um censo florestal em uma área de 2.000 ha localizada na Floresta Nacional do Tapajós (FNT), Pará. No censo coletou-se a circunferência à altura do peito (CAP), igualou superior a 158 cm e as coordenadas cartesianas das árvores comerciais. Para determinar o padrão espacial foi utilizada a função K de Ripley assumindo um raio de 5 m, variando a uma distância máxima de 1.500 m. Para a função K univariada foram realizadas 500 simulações Monte Carlo e para a função bivariada foram realizadas 500 simulações toroidais, ambas com 99,8% de probabilidade. Os grupos de árvores comerciais que possuíram padrão espacial agregado em no mínimo 50% da distância de análise foram Astronium lecointei, Bagassa guianensis, Couratari guianensis, Manilkara huberi, Mezilaurus itauba, Vochysia maxima. Grupos de árvores comerciais, segundo critério de comercialização para árvores tropicais no Brasil, seguem um padrão espacial aleatório e agregado e possuem associações espaciais de independência espacial.

ABSTRACT: This study was conducted to establish the pattern and the spatial associations of the Amazon commercial tree groups. In a region extending across 2,000 ha in the Tapajós National Forest (FNT), Pará, a forest census was conducted. The census included commercial trees of perimeter at breast height (PBH), equal to or greater than 158 cm and the Cartesian coordinates of their bearings. Using Ripley’s K function, the spatial pattern was discerned, with 5 m radius being assumed, and maximum distances varying up to 1,500 m. Then, with 99.8% probability for both, 500 Monte Carlo simulations were performed for the univariate K function, and 500 toroidal simulations were done for the bivariate function.The commercial tree groups, which revealed an aggregated spatial pattern in a minimum of approximately 50% of the analysis distance were namely, Astronium lecointei, Bagassa guianensis, Couratari guianensis, Manilkara huberi, Mezilaurus itauba, and Vochysia maxima. In Brazil, the commercial tree groups, based on the commercialization criteria for tropical trees show random and aggregated spatial patterns with associations of spatial independence.

SUMMARY: The method, which uses the arithmetic mean and standard deviation (M1) of total heights (Ht), is often used in the stratification of uneven-aged forests and assumes that the Ht must follow a normal standard curve considering a standard deviation of the mean. In cases where this assumption is rejected, alternative methods are used, such as the fundamentals in multivariate analysis (M2) and Lorey’s mean height (M3). The objective was to evaluate the method M1 considering its assumption and comparing it with methods M2 and M3. The data were collected in 308 contiguous plots of 100 m², installed in an Alluvial Ombrophylous Forest. The assumption of the method M1 was analyzed adjusting a Normal Probabilistic Density Function, evaluated by the K-S test. The methods were evaluated using discriminant analyses, structural analyses and three-dimensional vertical profiles. It was verified that the assumption was not met. The discriminant analyses showed that the classification was 100 % correct in methods M1 and M3. The 13 most important species, in descending order, were the same in all three methods. However, from the 13th, the differences were more remarkable in the method M1. Firstly, it is recommended to use the method M3, as it is more practical and provides results that are equal to those obtained using the method M2. However, if the objective is to obtain a higher level of detail, the option is the method M2 since it allows obtaining up to five strata with 100 % correct classification.

RESUMEN: El método que usa la media aritmética y la desviación estándar de las alturas totales - Hts (M1) se usa a menudo en la estratificación de bosques con edades desiguales y supone que Hts debe seguir una curva estándar normal, considerando una desviación estándar de la media. En los casos en que se rechaza este supuesto, se utilizan métodos alternativos, como los fundamentos del análisis multivariado (M2) y la altura promedio de Lorey (M3). El objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar el método M1 considerando su suposición y comparándolo con los métodos M2 y M3. Los datos fueron recolectados en 308 parcelas contiguas de 100 m². Hts se obtuvieron en base a una varilla medida. La suposición del método M1 se analizó ajustando una función de densidad probabilística normal, evaluada mediante la prueba K-S. Los métodos se evaluaron mediante análisis discriminante, análisis estructural y perfiles verticales tridimensionales. Se encontró que la suposición no se cumplió. Los análisis discriminantes mostraron que la clasificación era 100 % correcta en los métodos M1 y M3. Las 13 especies más importantes, en orden decreciente, fueron las mismas en los tres métodos. Sin embargo, a partir del día 13, las diferencias fueron más notables en el método M1. Primero, se recomienda el uso del método M3, ya que es más práctico y proporciona los mismos resultados que los obtenidos por el método M2. Sin embargo, si el objetivo es obtener un mayor nivel de detalle, la opción es el método M2, ya que permite obtener hasta cinco estratos con una clasificación 100 % correcta.

Resumo A atividade de mineração, importante para a promoção do crescimento econômico e do bem-estar social, tem sido responsável pela modificação de grandes extensões de paisagens do território nacional. Dessa forma, objetivou-se no presente estudo correlacionar às espécies vegetais em três diferentes sítios de uma área de mineração de ouro abandonada há mais de cem anos. A área em estudo foi estratificada em três sítios, sendo que em cada sítio foram alocadas dez parcelas contiguas de 10x10 m cada, onde foram amostrados e identificados todos os indivíduos arbustivo-arbóreos com (DAS30≥ 3 cm). Amostras compostas do substrato foram coletadas à profundidade de 0 cm a 20 cm, em cada uma das trinta parcelas e analisados os teores de areia, silte, argila, matéria orgânica, pH, P, K+, Ca2+, Mg2+, S, Al3+, (H +Al), (V%), (SB), CTCa pH 7, (T), CTC efetiva (t) e (m%). Foi analisada a influência de variáveis ambientais sobre a densidade das espécies amostradas, utilizando análise de correspondência canônica, verificando a correlação significativa entre elas (P>0,01) pelo teste de Monte-Carlo. Foram encontrados 909 indivíduos, pertencentes a 30 famílias botânicas, 64 gêneros e 86 espécies. As variáveis mais fortemente relacionadas com a vegetação foram silte, pH e V. As espécies Trembleya parviflora, Myrsine guianensi, Trembleya laniflora, Baccharis brachylaenoides, Tibouchina candoleana, Tibouchina mutabilis e Pseudobrickellia angustissima ocorreram de forma mais abundantes em solos com altos valores de pH, saturação por bases e altas proporções de areia, podendo ser consideradas indicadoras desses habitats.

Abstract The mining activity, important for promoting economic growth and social welfare, has been responsible for the modification of large tracts of landscape nationwide. Thus, this work aimed to relate the colonizing species of the area of gold mining with the substrate, in Diamantina, Minas Gerais state. An area under study was stratified into three locations, with ten contiguous plots measuring 10 x 10 m each in each location, where all individuals with shrubs with (DAS30≥ 3 cm) were sampled and recorded. Soil composite samples were collected at a depth of 0 cm to 20 cm in each of the thirty plots and analyzed the levels of sand, silt, clay, organic matter, pH, P, K, Ca, Mg, S, Al, (H + Al), (V%) (SB), CTC at pH 7, (T), CTC (t) (m%). The influence of environmental variables on the density of the sampled species was analyzed by using the canonical correspondence analysis, verifying the significant correlation between them (P> 0.01) by the Monte-Carlo test. Nine-hundred and nine (909) individuals were found, belonging to 30 botanical families, 64 genera and 86 species. The variables most strongly related to vegetation were silt, pH and V. The species Trembleya parviflora, Myrcine guianensi, Trembleya laniflora, Baccharis brachylaenoides, Tibouchina candoleana, Tibouchina mutabilis e Pseudobrickellia angustissima,occurred were more abundant in soils with high pH, base saturation and high proportions of sand may eventually be shown as potential in the recuperation of mined areas with similar conditions to the area.

Resumo Este estudo teve como objetivo analisar a dinâmica da estrutura de espécies arbóreas e relacionar as mudanças com as condições edáficas em fitofisionomias de cerrado stricto sensu (de 2010 a 2015), cerradão (de 2010 a 2015) e floresta estacional semidecidual (de 2011 a 2015) em Curvelo, Minas Gerais. O inventário florestal considerou amostragens do tipo sistemática em 15 unidades amostrais de 20 × 50 metros no cerrado stricto sensu (CSS), 10 unidades amostrais 20 × 50m no cerradão (CD), CAS ≥ 15,7cm) e 25 unidades amostrais de 10 × 40m na floresta estacional semidecidual (FES - CAP ≥ 15,7 cm). Amostras de solo foram coletadas em todas as unidades amostrais para caracterização química e granulométrica. Nas três fitofisionomias, o número de indivíduos ingressantes foi inferior ao de egressos. No CSS, a área basal no inventário final foi superior à área basal inicial (23,675 - 25,845m2/ha), devido ao incremento expressivo dos sobreviventes. Ocorreram reduções na área basal no CD (19,322 - 17,008 m2/ha) e na FES (28,183 - 28,148 m2/ha), decorrente da alta taxa de mortalidade. Nas três fitofisionomias, a mortalidade foi maior nas primeiras classes diamétricas. De forma lenta, o CSS e CD estão se recuperando pós-distúrbio (fogo), estão surgindo novos indivíduos (recrutas) e crescimento diamétrico dos sobreviventes. Durante o intervalo de 5 anos, não foi possível identificar a recuperação do número de indivíduos, enquanto a FES sem distúrbio do fogo, a perda de indivíduos pela mortalidade e a inclusão de novos indivíduos pelo recrutamento foram mais equilibradas.

Abstract This study aimed to analyze the structural dynamics of tree species and to relate changes with edaphic conditions in the phytophysiognomies of cerrado stricto sensu (from 2010 to 2015), cerradão (from 2010 to 2015) and seasonal semideciduous forest (from 2011 to 2015) in Curvelo, state of Minas Gerais, Brazil. Forest inventories involved systematic sampling in 15 sample units (20 × 50m) in cerrado strict sensu (CSS), 10 sample units (20 × 50m) in cerradão (CD; CAS ≥ 15.7 cm) and 25 sample units (10 × 40m) in semideciduous seasonal forest (SSF; CAP ≥ 15.7 cm). Soil samples were collected in all sample units for the chemical and granulometric characterization. The number of individuals entering was lower than the total recruitment in all phytophysiognomies. Basal area in the final inventory of CSS was higher than initial basal area (23.675 - 25.845m2/ha), due to a significant increase in the surviving individuals. There were reductions in the basal area for DC (19.322 - 17.008 m2/ha) and SSF (28.183 - 28.148 m2/ha), due to high mortality rates. The mortality was higher for the first diametric classes in all three phytophysiognomies. Individual recruitment and diametric growth of survivors during post fire disturbance recovery was slow for CSS and CD. The number of individuals recovering during a 5-year interval could not be determined, however, without fire disturbance, the loss of individuals due to mortality and the recruitment of new individuals in FES were more balanced.

Resumo Objetivou-se descrever e caracterizar a morfologia de frutos, sementes, plântulas, e germinação de Richeria grandis. Frutos maduros foram coletados de árvores-matrizes localizadas em matas de galeria e, posteriormente, foram realizadas descrições morfológicas. Procedeu-se a mensuração biométrica dos frutos e sementes. Ainda, após beneficiamento, foram separados de forma aleatória, 650 sementes, em que 20% foram utilizadas para germinação e teste de umidade no mesmo dia da coleta e as outras, armazenadas durante 5, 10, 15 e 20 dias. O teste de germinação foi realizado em gerbox, feito em câmeras do tipo B.O.D. com um fotoperíodo de 12 h e temperatura de 25 ºC ± 1 ºC. Realizou-se observações periódicas para o acompanhamento do desenvolvimento das plântulas até que as primeiras sementes germinadas atingissem o estádio de plântula completa. O fruto da R. grandis é simples, seco, do tipo cápsula septífraga, deiscentes e esquizocarpos, com comprimento médio de 16,24 mm e largura média de 8,57 mm. A semente é elipsoide com presença de sarcotesta, com comprimento médio de 7,40 mm e largura média de 4,57 mm. A R. grandis apresenta sementes recalcitrantes. A emergência é do tipo Fanero-epígeo-foliáceo. A radícula rompe o tegumento no segundo dia após a semeadura, o coleto é evidenciado ao 10º dia, separando a raiz primária do hipocótilo. A partir do 16º dia, os cotilédones expandem-se da testa, posicionados em um ângulo de 90º em relação ao hipocótilo. O protófilo e o epicótilo surgem somente após o 50º dia, caracterizando a plântula completa.

Abstract The objective was to describe and characterize the fruit morphology, seeds, seedlings and germination of Richeria grandis. Mature fruits were collected from matrix trees located in gallery forests. After, morphological descriptions were performed. Biometric measurement of fruits and seeds were carried out. A total of 650 seeds were randomly separated, with 20% being used for germination and humidity testing on the same day of collection and the others stored for 5, 10, 15 and 20 days. The germination test was performed in a gerbox, conducted in a laboratory chamber of the type B.O.D (biochemical oxygen demand) with a photoperiod of 12h and a temperature of 25 ºC ± 1 ºC. Periodic observations were made to monitor the development of the seedlings until the first germinated seeds reached the full seedling stage. The fruit of R. grandis is a simple, dry, capsule type septifraga, dehiscent and schizocarpic, with average length of 16.24 mm and an average width of 8.57 mm. The seed is an ellipsoid shape, containing a sarcotesta and has an average length of 7.40 mm and an average width of 4.57 mm. R. grandis presents recalcitrant seeds, which emerge in a Phanero-epigene-foliaceous manner. The radicle breaks the integument on the second day after sowing, the collection is evidenced on the 10th day, separating the primary root from the hypocotyl. At day 16, the cotyledons expand from the forehead, positioned at a 90º angle to the hypocotyl. The protophyll and the epicotyl appear only after the 50th day, characterizing the complete seedling.

Abstract The aim of this study was to evaluate the floristic and structural differences between two fragments of Seasonal Deciduous Forest in the São Francisco river, Minas Gerais. A total of 25 plots of 20×20 m in each fragment were allocated and all living individuals with Circumference at Breast Height (CAP) ≥ 15.7 cm were considered. The Shannon-Wienner indices and the Pielou equitability were equal among sampled areas. The Jaccard and Bray-Curtis similarities were 20.7% and 41%, respectively, indicating a high β diversity. Non-metric Multidimensional Scaling (NMDS) resulted in two floristic groups, distinguishing the flora of Presidente Juscelino and Paracatu. These results showed that the areas are floristically different but resemble each other in terms of diversity and structure.

Abstract This study aimed to evaluate the changes in the floristic composition at the Cerrado (Brazilian Savannah) stricto sensu and Cerradão (xeromorphic forest) phytophysiognomies. In the first inventory in 2010, 15 soil plots of 20 × 50 m in the Cerrado stricto sensu (CSS) and 10 soil sample plots of 20 × 50 m in the Cerradão (CD) were separated, and individual samples with diameter at soil height ≥ 5 cm were measured. The second inventory, conducted in 2015, used the same criteria. A fire hit both phytophysiognomies after the first inventory. Species loss and a mortality rate higher than recruitment rate were observed in both phytophysiognomies. Species richness and individual density have been diversified over time. Floristic changes were more intense in CD, with significant alterations between mortality and recruitment rates - the species that disappeared were represented by a few individuals; in the CSS, the changes were not significant.

Resumo O presente estudo trata do levantamento florístico das espécies de Bambusoideae (Poaceae) que ocorrem no Parque Estadual da Serra do Brigadeiro (PESB), Minas Gerais, Brasil. O domínio fitogeográfico em que a área de estudo está inserida é a Floresta Atlântica, considerada um dos centros de endemismo de bambus. Foram realizadas expedições de agosto de 2013 a julho de 2015 para a coleta do material botânico e observação das espécies no seu ambiente natural. Além disso, foram analisadas as coleções dos herbários BHCB, CESJ, HUEFS, ISC, K, MG, RB, SPF, VIC e VIES. Foram registradas 27 espécies pertencentes a seis gêneros. O gênero com maior número de espécies é Chusquea, com 16 espécies, seguido de Merostachys e Aulonemia, com quatro espécies cada, e Colanthelia, Guadua e Parodiolyra com uma espécie cada. São apresentadas chaves de identificação para os gêneros e as espécies, descrições e comentários morfológicos. O PESB apresenta a maior riqueza de espécies de bambus já registrada nas unidades de conservação de Minas Gerais.

Abstract This study consists of a floristic survey of the Bambusoideae (Poaceae) species that occur in the Serra do Brigadeiro State Park (PESB). The study area is inserted in the Atlantic Forest, considered as one of the centers of bamboo endemism. We carried out expeditions from August 2013 to July 2015 for the collection of botanical material and observation of the species in their natural environment. In addition, the collections of the herbaria BHCB, CESJ, HUEFS, ISC, K, MG, RB, SPF, VIC, and VIES were analyzed. Six genera and 27 species were recorded in the PESB. The most diverse genus is Chusquea with 16 species, followed by Merostachys and Aulonemia with four species each, and Colanthelia, Guadua, and Parodiolyra with one species each. Identification keys for genera and species, descriptions, and morphological comments are presented. PESB has the highest bamboo species richness recorded for the conservation units of Minas Gerais.

ABSTRACT Bees are considered important pollinators due to their fidelity to plants, enabling the maintenance of gene flow between plant species. The objective of this study was to recognize the visit of bees in two Candeia species, Eremanthus erythropappus and Eremanthus incanus (Asteraceae), as well as to analyze the pollen content carried by bees in a regeneration area. Nine samplings were taken in each plant species using entomological nets. The pollen grains were obtained in 338 bees from their legs and bodies. The species Trigona spinipes, Apis mellifera, and Bombus pauloensis were most frequent. Candeias are essential in the study area because they have high adaptive potential, but besides them, other plants are also important for attracting bees searching for pollen and/or nectar.

Abstract The theory of landscape ecology applied to the methods of spatial analysis helps to understand changes in the structure of forest remnants. In view of this theory, the objective of the present study was to analyze the structure of a fragmented area between the years 1979 and 2015 through calculation of landscape metrics for arboreal, shrubby and herbaceous vegetation classes. Vegetation classes were classified with visits to the field, interpretation of aerial photographs from 1979 and supervised classification of Landsat 8 from 2015. The metrics calculated for each class were area and total number of fragments, total edge and average connectivity among the fragments. The analysis of structure found that it changed negatively due to an increase in the number of small fragments, which increased the intensity of edge effects and reduced connectivity between fragments for all classes.

ABSTRACT Rupestrian complexes of the Serra do Espinhaço are recognized for their high degree of biodiversity and endemism. However, environmental impacts, particularly from mining, have degraded these environments. The purpose of this study was to describe the herbaceous-subshrub communities that occur in quartzitic (QRC) and ferruginous (FRC) rupestrian complexes in different seasons of the year, with regard to floristic similarity and phytosociological structure. Additionally, the study aimed to identify native species with potential use for the restoration of similar degraded areas. Vegetation was sampled from plots located in the municipality of Conceição do Mato Dentro, state of Minas Gerais. Five contiguous strata of 10 × 50 m were demarcated in each environment, in which 12 plots of 2 × 1 m (2 m²) were randomly distributed, for a total of 60 plots (sample units) in each physiognomy. The studied communities exhibited few similarities and lower floristic diversity than other rupestrian complexes. Detrended correspondence analysis distinguished the communities of FRC from those of QRC. The species with the highest value of importance in FRC were Bulbostylis fimbriata and Centrosema brasilianum, while in QRC Echinolaena inflexa had the highest values, thus, making them eligible for restoration programs in similar environments.

ABSTRACT This study aimed to analyze relations between the distribution of tree species and variations in soil texture, fertility and organic matter levels in a rupestrian cerrado area located in Diamantina-MG. Individual trees with circumference at soil level (PC) ≥ 3 cm were sampled in 10 plots of 20x50m. Samples of surface soil (0.00-0.20 m of depth) were collected from each plot and analyzed for their chemical and physical properties. Through canonical correspondence analysis, Eremanthus incanus, Kielmeyera lathrophyton, Terminalia sp and Vochysia discolor show a stronger relation to higher potassium and remaining phosphorus levels; the species Xylopia sericea, Protium spruceanum and Protium heptaphyllum show a stronger relation to higher levels of organic matter and total cation exchange capacity; the species Roupala montana, Qualea grandiflora, and Erythroxylum suberosum grew uniformly in all plots. There is relation between species distribution and chemical and physical soil variables in the area.