Parque Nacional da Serra do Itajaí (southern Brazil) shrub and herbs flora

This paper aim to characterize the herbaceous and shrub species diversity of Parque Nacional da Serra do Itajaí (PNSI). We identified 643 herbaceous and shrub species distributed in 110 families being the most representative family Asteraceae (62 species), Melastomataceae (49) and Rubiaceae (30), besides a two new records for Santa Catarina (Thelypteris glaziovii T.F. Reed and Pseudelephantopus spiralis Cronquist). We recorded 22 exotic species. Thus, due to the vast diversity of life and the rather large territory, PNSI is one of the most important spots for biodiversity conservation in Santa Catarina

Insights from a large-scale inventory in the southern Brazilian Atlantic Forest

A key issue in large-area inventories is defining a suitable sampling design and the effort required to obtain reliable estimates of species richness and forest attributes, especially in species-diverse forests. To address this issue, data from 418 systematically distributed 0.4 ha plots were collected. Estimators of nonparametric species richness were employed to assess the floristic representativeness of data collected in three forest types in the Brazilian Atlantic Forest. The sampling sufficiency of forest attributes was evaluated as a function of sample size. Altogether, 831 tree/shrub species were recorded. The data acquired through the systematic sampling design were representative of both species richness and basal area. The confidence intervals’ length would not substantially decrease by using more than 70 % of the reference sample (n = 364), thereby reaching a length of ~5 % of the sample mean. Nevertheless, reliable estimates of species richness for diverse forests demand a thorough sampling approach far more exacting so as to achieve acceptable population estimates of forest attributes. Though the study area is regarded as a biodiversity hotspot, the forest stands showed diminished species richness, basal area, stem volume and biomass when compared to old-growth stands. As regards species richness, the data provided evidence of contrasting great γ-diversity (at the forest type level) and small α-diversity (at the forest stand level). Amongst anthropic impacts, illegal logging and extensive cattle grazing within stands are undoubtedly key factors that threaten forest conservation in the study area

Aspectos da distribuição de Mimosoideae (Fabaceae) arbóreas no planalto de Santa Catarina, sul do Brasil

The Santa Catarina plateau, in southern Brazil, harbors the Deciduous Seasonal Forest and the Mixed Ombrophilous Forest, both subjected to intense human pressures, which may influence the distribution and conservation status of some species. This study aimed at comparing the distribution of tree species of Mimosoideae (Fabaceae) on this plateau, based on current data of the Floristic and Forest Inventory of Santa Catarina (IFFSC) and the collection of the Illustrated Flora of Santa Catarina (FIC), which records span the period of 1950 to 1970. The geographical distribution of 17 species of Mimosoideae was analyzed using binomial statistical test of two proportions, based on information from 221 and 124 sampling units of IFFSC and FIC, respectively. Maps of the current distribution of each species were prepared based on IFFSC’s information. Comparing current data with those from 1950-1970, we found that 29.41% of the species changed their distribution and 70.59% maintained their occurrence ratios. The analysis proved to be less accurate in relation to rare species of both vegetation types. Despite the different methods used in each sampling period, we considered that the statistical method minimized the differences, enabling to indicate changes in the distribution pattern of Mimosoideae species in the last decades.Keywords: Atlantic Forest, forest inventory, distribution map.O planalto catarinense, no sul do Brasil, abriga a Floresta Estacional Decidual e a Floresta Ombrófila Mista, ambas submetidas a intensas pressões antrópicas, o que pode influenciar na distribuição e na conservação de algumas espécies. Este estudo teve como objetivo comparar a distribuição das espécies arbóreas de Mimosoideae (Fabaceae) nesse planalto, baseando-se em dados atuais do Inventário Florístico Florestal de Santa Catarina – IFFSC e na coletânea da Flora Ilustrada Catarinense – FIC, cujos registros abrangem o período de 1950 a 1970. Analisou-se, através de teste estatístico binominal de duas proporções, a distribuição geográfica de 17 espécies de Mimosoideae, utilizando as informações provenientes de 221 unidades amostrais do IFFSC e de 124 da FIC. Mapas da distribuição atual de cada espécie foram elaborados a partir das informações do IFFSC. Comparando os dados atuais com aqueles de 1950 a 1970, constatou-se que 29,41% das espécies estudadas alteraram sua distribuição geográfica e que 70,59% mantiveram suas proporções de ocorrência no planalto catarinense. A análise mostrou-se menos precisa em relação às espécies raras das fitofisionomias analisadas. Apesar das diferentes metodologias utilizadas nas amostragens, considera-se que o método estatístico aplicado minimizou as diferenças, contribuindo para verificar mudanças no padrão de distribuição das espécies de Mimosoideae nas últimas décadas.Palavras-chave: Floresta Atlântica, inventário florestal, mapa de distribuição

FLORESTA OMBRÓFILA DENSA DE SANTA CATARINA - BRASIL: AGRUPAMENTO E ORDENAÇÃO BASEADOS EM AMOSTRAGEM SISTEMÁTICA

http://dx.doi.org/10.5902/1980509820595This study aimed to characterize the remnants of Ombrophilous Dense Forest in Santa Catarina state. The dataset used in this study was provided by Project of Floristic and Forest Inventory of Santa Catarina, coming from 197 sample units that consist of basic clusters. The basic cluster was composed of four subunits of 20 x 50 m, in which all individuals with DBH ≥ 10 cm were measured. The forest structure was characterized through phytosociological parameters and indices. Based on structural data of the species, cluster analysis and ordination were performed in an attempt to identify groups of watersheds and altitude ranges. It was identified 577 species belonging to 226 genera and 83 families. The most representative families in number of species and individuals were Myrtaceae, Lauraceae and Fabaceae. Species of disturbed areas as Alchornea triplinervia, Caseria sylvestris and Miconia cinnamomifolia were dominant in the forest. Cluster analysis resulted in the identification of three vegetation types along the altitudinal gradient: Lowland Ombrophilous Dense Forest (< 30 m a.s.l.), Submontane (30 - 500 m) and Montane (> 500 m). Floristic and structural variations could be detected between the three vegetation types. In lowland communities, the presence of Anacardiaceae and Clusiaceae was more expressive and the average height of trees was higher. In montane environments, there was an increase in the number of individuals, basal area and diversity, as well as a greater representation of Cyatheaceae, Lauraceae and Rubiaceae. The occurrence of Arecaceae was remarkable in submontane forest. Spatial groups could not be defined based on structural data of watersheds.http://dx.doi.org/10.5902/1980509820595O presente trabalho teve por objetivo caracterizar os remanescentes da Floresta Ombrófila Densa, no estadode Santa Catarina. O conjunto de dados utilizado neste estudo foi disponibilizado pelo projeto InventárioFlorístico Florestal de Santa Catarina, sendo oriundo de 197 unidades amostrais do tipo conglomerado. Osconglomerados foram constituídos por quatro subunidades de 20 x 50 m, nas quais foram mensurados todosos indivíduos arbóreo-arbustivos com DAP ≥ 10 cm. A estrutura da floresta foi caracterizada com o empregode parâmetros e índices fitossociológicos. Com base na densidade das espécies, foram realizadas análisesde agrupamento e ordenação na tentativa de identificar grupos de bacias hidrográficas e faixas de altitude.Foram encontradas 577 espécies, pertencentes a 226 gêneros e 83 famílias. As famílias mais representativasem número de espécies e indivíduos foram Myrtaceae, Lauraceae e Fabaceae. Espécies de áreas perturbadascomo Alchornea triplinervia, Caseria sylvestris e Miconia cinnamomifolia estão dentre as que dominam afloresta. Por meio da análise de agrupamento, foi possível identificar três formações ao longo do gradientealtitudinal, aqui denominadas: Floresta Ombrófila Densa de Terras Baixas (< 30 m), Submontana (30 – 500m) e Montana (> 500 m). Variações florísticas e estruturais puderam ser detectadas entre as três formações.Em comunidades das terras baixas, a presença das famílias Anacardiaceae e Clusiaceae foi mais expressivae a altura média das árvores foi superior. Nos ambientes montanos, observou-se um aumento no número deindivíduos, área basal e diversidade, além da maior representatividade das famílias Cyatheaceae, Lauraceaee Rubiaceae. A ocorrência de Arecaceae foi marcante nos patamares submontanos. Grupos espaciais não puderam ser seguramente definidos a partir de dados estruturais de bacias hidrográficas

Plant Poisoning Containing Hydrocyanic Acid in Cattle in Southern Brazil

Background: Cyanogenic plants accumulate cyanogenic glycosides and release hydrocyanic acid (HCN). In Brazil, there have been reports of several plants that cause HCN poisoning in animals and lead to a fast death with few clinical signs and lesions on post-mortem examination. Some cultivars of Cynodon spp. grasses cause HCN poisoning in cattle in Brazil. The objectives of this work were to report the occurrence of deaths by HCN poisoning in cattle as diagnosed by the veterinary pathology laboratory, describe the quantity of HCN in some cultivars of Cynodon spp., as well as, to describe one cultivar of genus Cynodonnever reported as poisonous.Materials, Methods & Results: The archives of the Veterinary Pathology Laboratory (LPV) at the Concórdia Campus of the Instituto Federal Catarinense (IFC) were reviewed, seeking cases with a diagnosis of hydrocyanic acid poisoning in cattle after post mortem examination. The amount of HCN present in some cultivars of the Cynodon genus was quantified due to the high frequency of poisoning cases. From the 1,235 post mortem examinations of cattle 28 (2.27%) were diagnosed with spontaneous hydrocyanic acid poisoning, 17 cases (60.7%) due to ingestion of Prunus sp. or Manihot sp., and 11 cases (39.3%) of Cynodon dactylon ingestion. Most animals were found dead, normally having presented no clinical signs. Macroscopic evaluation mainly showed a severe amount of unchewed and undigested leaves or grass mixed in the ruminal content presenting a bitter almond odor. It was possible to infer that, among cultivars of the Cynodon genus, Florakirk showed the highest levels of HCN compared (P < 0.05) with Star of Puerto Rico, Tifton 68, Tifton 44, and Coast-Cross. Furthermore, Tifton 85 and Jiggs showed undetected levels of HCN. Leaves showed the highest HCN levels when comparing different parts of the plant. Regarding conservation methods, hay showed undetectable levels of HCN.Discussion: To the best of our knowledge, this work is the first description of HCN poisoning in cattle due to ingestion of Cynodon dactylon cultivar Florakirk. This condition is described with a fast-clinical course, with animals found dead with no premonitory clinical signs. Poisoned animals did not develop macroscopic or microscopic specific lesions. Poisoning can be suspected when animals die suddenly, with absence of lesions under necropsy, and large amounts of unchewed and undigested leaves or grass inside their forestomaches. The diagnosis can be established performing the Picrosodic paper test, either in the pasture, or in the ruminal content. Occasionally however, HCN can go undetected when this chemical compound volatilizes between death and necropsy after several hours. Of all the Cynodon cultivars evaluated, Florakirk was the most dangerous for animals. In contrast, Tifton 85 and Jiggs released no HCN. Leaves were the part of the plant presenting the highest concentration of HCN. This is a defense mechanism that the plant develops against the ingestion by animals. This condition can cause great economic losses to farmers with the loss of animals and the need for prevention by using cultivars without HCN or hay, as 2.27% (28) of deaths diagnosed by the Veterinary Pathology Laboratory in the west of Santa Catarina, Brazil, were due to HCN poisoning. Notably, Florakirk cultivar was identified as the most dangerous cultivar tested, with higher levels compared with Tifton 68. The Star of Puerto Rico cultivar showed similar levels of HCN as Tifton 68. Both cultivars are commonly cultivated in many farms in the south of Brazil

Composição química e avaliação da atividade antimicrobiana do óleo essencial das folhas de Piper malacophyllum (C. Presl.) C. DC.

This work reports the chemical composition as well as the antibacterial, antifungal and antiparasitic activities of the leaf essential oil from Piper malacophyllum. The oil was extracted by hydrodistillation and analyzed by GC-FID, GC-MS and polarimetry. Among the 28 compounds identified, (+)-camphor was the major constituent. The essential oil showed activity against most of the microorganisms tested, especially antifungal action, with a MIC of 500 µg mL-1 against Trichophyton mentagrophytes and Cryptococcus neoformans. This is the first study reporting the composition and biological properties of leaf essential oil from P. malacophyllum

Phylogenetic diversity and the structure of host-epiphyte interactions across the Neotropics

Understanding the mechanisms driving community assembly has been a major focus of ecological research for nearly a century, yet little is known about these mechanisms in commensal communities, particularly with respect to their historical/evolutionary components. Here, we use a large-scale dataset of 4,440 vascular plant species to explore the relationship between the evolutionary distinctiveness (ED) (as measured by the 'species evolutionary history' (SEH)) of host species and the phylogenetic diversity (PD) of their associated epiphyte species. Although there was considerable variation across hosts and their associated epiphyte species, they were largely unrelated to host SEH. Our results mostly support the idea that the determinants of epiphyte colonization success might involve host characteristics that are unrelated to host SEH (e.g., architectural differences between hosts). While determinants of PD of epiphyte assemblages are poorly known, they do not appear to be related to the evolutionary history of host species. Instead, they might be better explained by neutral processes of colonization and extinction. However, the high level of phylogenetic signal in epiphyte PD (independent of SEH) suggests it might still be influenced by yet unrecognized evolutionary determinants. This study highlights how little is still known about the phylogenetic determinants of epiphyte communities