Diversity and distribution of arboreal species in two gallery forests in the "Riacho Fundo" hydrographic basin, Distrito FederalLocal variation in the floristic composition and structure of gallery forests seems to be related to slope, soil humidity and light. Would the floristic similarity between patches of different forests under similar abiotic conditions be higher than the similarity between patches of the same forest under different conditions? "Riacho Fundo" and "Açudinho" gallery forests were compared in order to answer this question. Both forests belong to the "Riacho Fundo" hydrographic basin. Sampling was systematic with sampling lines perpendicular to the main stream. A total of 118 plots (10 x 20m each) placed along these lines were assessed. All individuals from 5cm DBH, except lianas, were measured. In "Riacho Fundo" there were 1,831 living individuals (1.58ha sampled, 150 spp., H' =4.15) and in "Açudinho" there were 1,228 living individuals (0.78ha sampled, 126 spp., H' = 4.25). Results seem to indicate that the floristic and structural differences between these forests can be explained by the abiotic conditions, peculiar to each one. According to TWINSPAN divisions, certain patches of different forests that occur under similar abiotic conditions are more similar amongst themselves than to patches of the same forest under different conditions. Water availability in the soil, adjacent vegetation types and disturbance history seem to be the main determinants of the groupings.
gallery forest; structure; floristic; similarity; Brazil