This work aimed to analyze the diametric structure of arboreous component in an Atlantic Rain Forest fragment using De Liocourt quotient "q". The study was carried out at the Atlantic Rain Forest fragment, called Mata das Caldeiras, in Catende municipality, Pernambuco State, Brazil. The sampled individuals were distributed in class diameters with amplitude of 5 cm, with the first class having a value of 6.5 cm. Using the quotient "q" of De Liocourt the curves of diametric distribution, observed and estimated, were constructed, for the whole fragment and for species of higher Importance Value (VI). The fragment Mata das Caldeiras showed a deficit of trees in the diameter classes, generally and for species of greater VI, compared with a balanced forest. The De Liocourt quotient "q" may be used to evaluate diametric structure in fragments of Atlantic Forest. By the diametric distribution and obtained values of "q", for the period of succession found in the areas, it can be inferred that the degree of disturbance in these fragments occurs in a consistant manner.
diametric structure; De Liocourt quotient; ombrophylous forest
