Flower Survey on the Margins of the Stream Dourado in the Municipality of Japorá MS Brazil

Abstract

The Brazilian land occupation process has been characterized by a lack of planning and the consequent destruction of its natural resources, particularly forests. During the last few decades, progress in the studies of forest communities has been undertaken due to their importance for the conservation of biodiversity. Transformations in the natural areas of the state of Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil, have mainly occurred due to cattle and agriculture expansion. The forest fragment of the stream Dourado in the municipality of Japorã in the southern region of the state of Mato Grosso do Sul has great ecological importance. Since it is connected to other forest fragments, a flow of dispersed animals and pollination agents occurs among the forest fragments. A flower survey and a photographic register have been undertaken within a stretch on the stream’s margins. Three collections were undertaken monthly between September and November 2004. Exsiccates of samples collected were conditioned in the Botany Laboratory of the State University of Mato Grosso do Sul in Mundo Novo MS Brazil. Fifty units, two equal samples of each plant, were collected during the flower survey at each collection in the area under analysis. Material identified 32 families, 60 genera and 59 species. The Leguminosae families, followed by the families Mimosaceae and Papilionoideae, were the families with the highest floristic richness. Current research may help in the choice of species for planting in degraded areas. Reforestation in areas degraded by farming or pastures, the region’s main activities, is highly required.