Phytosociological study of a riverine forest remnant from Taquari river, State of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil

ABSTRACT Aiming to characterize the structure of the arboreal community in a riverine forest remnant of the Taquari river, State of Rio Grande do Sul, 42 sampling units of 100 m2 (10 × 10 m) were located. Phytosociological parameters were also assessed and the indexes of Shannon diversity (H') and Pielou evenness (J) were evaluated. A total of 39 species, 21 families, 2.83 nats ind-1 for H' and 0.77 for J were recorded. Among the species found, the endemic Callisthene inundata O.L. Bueno, A.D. Nilson & R.G. Magalh. and Picrasma crenata (Vell.) Engl. are included in the list of endangered species. The density found was of 1,557.14 ind ha-1. Luehea divaricata Mart. and Lonchocarpus nitidus Benth. showed the highest indexes of importance values. Besides contributing to the knowledge of species distribution and community structure, this study points out the need for conservation of existing native forest remnants.