Abstract
In this study we analyzed climatic data, a water balance model, and data on tree deciduousness aiming to determine the physiognomy of a forest in São João de Petrópolis, central Espírito Santo, Brazil. We hypothesized that the studied forest stand would be a remnant of the deciduous forests that were reported by naturalists in both centuries XIX and XX, even though the current Vegetation Map of Brazil indicates only dense rainforests for this place. Data obtained from a local weather station indicate that climate in the site is hot and with seasonal distribution of rainfall. Although the dry season has lasted in average six months (April-September), dry periods longer than six months were recurrent throughout the four last decades. Among the 354 trees that were sampled in the upper storey at the end of the dry season, 65.2% had no foliage, 18.1% had partial foliage, and 16.7% had full foliage. Percentages of deciduous trees were higher than 60% in all height classes of the upper storey. These attributes, as well as some records of tree species that are typical of seasonal forests, confirm that the forest is seasonal deciduous. Our results refine the Vegetation Map of Brazil and may foment discussions about the controversial classification of the forests of Espírito Santo state.
Key words:
deciduousness; water deficit; phytophysiognomy; rainfall seasonality
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