ABSTRACT
Topography affects moist regime and edaphic properties determinants of the cerrado sensu stricto vegetation. This study assessed trees spatial distribution in two topographic positions, interfluvial (I) and valley slope (V), in the Ecological Station of the Brasília Botanical Garden, Brasília, Brazil. In the total 15 plots, 20x50 m each, were located, 10 in area I and 5 in area V, to survey trees, BD≥ 5cm. Species number of trees per plot was used to a TWINSPAN classification. Density and basal(30cm) area of cerrados I and V preferential species were compared in 18 areas in Central Brazil to elect those potentialy indicators environmental conditions. Topography contributed to floristic and structural differences within I and V communities. Interfluvial indicators were Blepharocalyx salicifolius, Dalbergia miscolobium, Miconia ferruginata, M. pohliana, Piptocarpha rotundifolia, Ouratea hexasperma, Pterodon pubescens, Qualea parviflora and Sclerolobium paniculatum for Latossols. Byrsonima coccolobifolia, Caryocar brasiliense and Erythroxylum suberosum for Latossols, Litolic or sand soils. Pouteria ramiflora for Latossols and sandy solis. Valey slope over Cambissols indicators were Dimorphandra mollis, Eremanthus glomerulatus, Eriotheca pubescens, Guapira noxia, Plenckia populnea, Qualea multiflora and Symplocos rhamnifolia. Widely distributed species were Byrsonima verbascifolia, Kielmeyera coriacea, Qualea grandiflora, Stryphnodendron adstringens and Schefflera macrocarpa.
Key words:
trees; topography; environment indicator species; density; basal area