Spatial distribution of Pseudopiptadenia contorta (DC.) G.P. Lewis & M.P. Lima (Fabaceae/Mimosoideae) in a Deciduous Seasonal Forest in the municipality of Vitória da Conquista, Bahia state, Brazil

Abstract

In order to use forest species either in restoration projects or for commercial purposes, obtaining information on the species biology, at both the individual and population levels, are of great importance. The aim of this study was to analyze the spatial distribution pattern of a population of Pseudopiptadenia contorta (DC.) G.P. Lewis & M.P. Lima in a Montane Deciduous Seasonal Forest, in the State University of Southwestern Bahia, Vitória da Conquista campus. Sampling consisted in 100 contiguous plots of 10 x 10 m. Spatial distribution pattern was evaluated through both dispersion and Morisita indexes. A total of 376 P. contorta individuals were found. Average density was 3.76 individuals per plot. The plots with the highest densities were numbers 4 and 13, with 21 and 16 individuals, respectively. Variance was 14.8 individuals per plot, with a standard deviation of 3.8. Most plots (59) had between one and five individuals. Only in five plots were there more than 10 individuals. The distribution pattern found was the aggregate one, through both dispersion and Morisita indexes. Soil chemical quality influenced the species spatial distribution pattern, areas with higher Sum of Bases and CEC at pH 7 having shown a higher number of individuals.