Diversity and Structure of Climbing Plants in an Urban Forest Fragment

Abstract

Climbers are herbaceous or woody plants that germinate in the soil and remain rooted throughout their lives, needing other plants to support their development. The aim of this study was to analyze the edge effect on the climbing plant community in the forest fragment of the Federal University of Amazonas. Fifty plots were set up for sampling. The species were grouped and phytosociological parameters were calculated. A total of 613 individuals were recorded, represented by 13 families found inside and on the edges of the UFAM forest fragment. The family with the highest ecological importance value (IV) was Fabaceae. The genera Bauhinia and Derris had the highest ecological importance values, both at the edge and in the interior of the forest. The scandent climbing mode was the most important and was observed in 56 species. This study confirmed the diversity of climbing plants. Although there were more climbing plants at the edge of the forest than in the interior due to the greater luminosity, the scandent climbing habit was abundant in both environments. Climbing plants are a part of the native vegetation of the forest fragment with their richness and diversity. Among other roles, climbing plants contribute ecologically by providing food and shelter for living organisms.