The objective of this study was to evaluate the ecological relationships between different layers of a restored area in Viçosa, State of Minas Gerais. A floristic survey of the tree layer, natural regeneration and soil seed bank was carried out. The floristic composition between layers of the restored area (tree layer, regeneration and seed bank) was compared, and this composition was also compared to various forest fragments in the area; the comparisons were made through cluster analysis. The successional class and dispersion syndrome between layers of the restored area were compared by analysis of variance (ANOVA). The dendrogram obtained distinguished the seed bank of the other layers. There was no similarity between the area studied and the forest fragments in Viçosa. In the distribution by successional class and dispersal syndrome, there was significant difference between the seed bank and other layers of the restored area. Results evinced the discrepancy of the seed bank floristic compared to other layers of the forest, proving that the forest area is in a headmost stage of succession.
forest restoration; natural regeneration; seed bank