Among the large number of species that have been used as sources of forest byproducts is Bromelia antiacantha, a species native to the Atlantic Forest and that has great potential of use with nourishing, ornamental, industrial and pharmacological characteristics. The fruits of this species are traditionally used in the Northern Plateau of Santa Catarina State, Brazil, in the preparation of syrup for the treatment of respiratory disorders. In this context, the aim of this study was to quantify the production of fruits and to find strategies for the possible management of natural populations of B. antiacantha. A total of 39 inflorescences were observed from January/2008 to August/2008 distributed in a secondary forest area at FLONA (National Forest), Três Barras, Santa Catarina State. In this same area, B. antiacantha individuals were accompanied by demographic studies from 2001 to 2008. The inflorescences presented on average 0.68 m of length, mean number of 187 fruits/inflorescence, mean diameter of fruits of 1.9 cm and mean weight of inflorescences of 3.6 kg. The mean number of usable fruits was 157 fruits/inflorescence and the mean weight of these fruits was 2.5 Kg. The estimated harvest for 2005 was 146 Kg of fruits ha-1 and for 2008, 80 kg of fruits ha-1, and the net income from the syrup production could reach R$ 1168.00 per hectare per year. The results showed that the management of B. antiacantha consists in an economically interesting activity and that this possibility complements the income of local communities where the species occurs, besides increasing the value of forest areas.
sustainable management; NTFP; medicinal plants
