Marcelo Freire Moro

Alienígenas na sala: o que fazer com espécies exóticas em trabalhos de taxonomia, florística e fitossociologia?

(Aliens in the room: what to do with exotic species in taxonomic, floristic and phytosociological studies?): The ever-growing presence of exotic organisms (many of which become invasive) throughout the planet has led to the emergence of biological invasions as a field of study within ecology. To enable communication between scientists in this field, a terminology has developed. However, this terminology has been ignored by many botanists in Brazil where there is confusion regarding definition of exotic, naturalized, invasive, weed and ruderal species, leading to inconsistent use of the concepts. Moreover, different authors have adopted antagonistic positions when dealing with exotic species existing in their study areas, either in the preparation of taxonomic treatments or in floristic and phytosociological surveys. While some authors include in floras cultivated, non reproducing species, others exclude even widespread and common invasives. We present here, in Portuguese, the main concepts related to the theme of bioinvasion and draw the attention of Brazilian authors to the necessity for consistent use of the terminological framework available for biological invasions. We also propose that authors should clearly label exotic plants reported in their work, differentiating exotics from native species. Finally, we suggest criteria to help botanists decide when exotic plants should or should not be included in taxonomic treatments or in floristic surveys.

O Complexo Vegetacional da Zona Litorânea no Ceará: Pecém, São Gonçalo do Amarante

Due to its geographical location, the northeastern Coast of Brazil (Litoral Setentrional do Nordeste - LSN) is a hotter and drier climate than the eastern coast. In addition, because of its proximity to caatinga and cerrado, the LSN contains species from these vegetation biomes and from the restinga on the coast, which comprise different plant formations and creates a vegetation complex. Despite the great importance of this ecotone, there are few studies about its flora. The objective of this work was to contribute to what is known about the floristic and phytosociological composition of this region. We made a floristic survey in the area (between 2007 and 2011), consulted herbaria data from the region and made a phytosociological study in a stretch of coastal semideciduous forest (mata de tabuleiro). The study recorded 382 plant species from 96 families. In the phytosociological survey (0.32 ha) we recorded 2,970 individuals and 52 species. The most abundant plants surveyed were the trees Manilkara triflora, Chamaecrista ensiformis and Guapira nitida and the shrubs Cordiera sessilis and Maytenus erythroxyla (average height 3.8 m, average diameter 6.2 cm, basal area 39.28 m²/ha). The local flora includes floristic elements of caatinga, cerrado and restinga, corroborating the idea that the plant community of the coastal region of Ceara has an ecotonal nature.

The Role of Edaphic Environment and Climate in Structuring Phylogenetic Pattern in Seasonally Dry Tropical Plant Communities

Seasonally dry tropical plant formations (SDTF) are likely to exhibit phylogenetic clustering owing to niche conservatism driven by a strong environmental filter (water stress), but heterogeneous edaphic environments and life histories may result in heterogeneity in degree of phylogenetic clustering. We investigated phylogenetic patterns across ecological gradients related to water availability (edaphic environment and climate) in the Caatinga, a SDTF in Brazil. Caatinga is characterized by semiarid climate and three distinct edaphic environments – sedimentary, crystalline, and inselberg –representing a decreasing gradient in soil water availability. We used two measures of phylogenetic diversity: Net Relatedness Index based on the entire phylogeny among species present in a site, reflecting long-term diversification; and Nearest Taxon Index based on the tips of the phylogeny, reflecting more recent diversification. We also evaluated woody species in contrast to herbaceous species. The main climatic variable influencing phylogenetic pattern was precipitation in the driest quarter, particularly for herbaceous species, suggesting that environmental filtering related to minimal periods of precipitation is an important driver of Caatinga biodiversity, as one might expect for a SDTF. Woody species tended to show phylogenetic clustering whereas herbaceous species tended towards phylogenetic overdispersion. We also found phylogenetic clustering in two edaphic environments (sedimentary and crystalline) in contrast to phylogenetic overdispersion in the third (inselberg). We conclude that while niche conservatism is evident in phylogenetic clustering in the Caatinga, this is not a universal pattern likely due to heterogeneity in the degree of realized environmental filtering across edaphic environments. Thus, SDTF, in spite of a strong shared environmental filter, are potentially heterogeneous in phylogenetic structuring. Our results support the need for scientifically informed conservation strategies in the Caatinga and other SDTF regions that have not previously been prioritized for conservation in order to take into account this heterogeneity.

Composição florística e estrutura de um fragmento de vegetação savânica sobre os tabuleiros pré-litorâneos na zona urbana de Fortaleza, Ceará

Urban growth promotes reduction in the vegetation cover, introduction of exotic species and has serious implications for biological conservation. In the urban area of Fortaleza, Ceara state, a vegetation fragment with savannic physiognomy (24 ha – 3o47’55”S and 38o29’10”W) was sampled for a floristic survey and had 1 ha subjected to a phytosociological inventory. The floristic list of the fragment, considered a priority area for municipal conservation, is showed here. Phytosociological data have also been sampled, providing more information about the savannas from the Brazilian’s Northeast coast. For the floristic list, species from all growth forms present in the fragment were collected. For the description of the structure of the vegetation, we assigned randomly eight transects with 5 × 250 m (1ha in total) in which the perimeters at ground level (PNS) and the total height of individual plants were measured for all woody plants with PNS greater than or equal to 9 cm. In the floristic survey we collected 151 species (138 indigenous and 13 exotic) and in the phytosociological study, 37 species (35 native). The density and basal coverage of the community were 1218 ind/ha and 7.34 m2/ha, respectively. The average height and average diameter were respectively 2.53 ± 1.29 m and 6.68 ± 5.67 cm. Although our study site is geographically out of the Cerrado domain, it has structural variables compatible with the ones observed within the range of variations found in other Cerrado areas.

Vegetação, unidades fitoecológicas e diversidade paisagística do estado do Ceará

article presents a review of the vegetation types occurring in Ceara state, Northeastern Brazil. We explain how climate and geomorphology have produced the different landscapes in Ceara and aim to characterize the main features, distribution and anthropogenic threats for each vegetation type. To achieve this we performed fieldwork and evaluated available maps and the literature in order to summarize the main attributes of each vegetation type. We also compiled floristic surveys for Ceara state and used multivariate analysis to compare the similarity of species composition among the different phytoecological units and to interpret the biogeographical patters observed.

A check list of plant species in the urban forestry of Fortaleza, Brazil: where are the native species in the country of megadiversity?

Although Brazil is recognized as a country of megadiversity many Brazilian cities have an overwhelming number of exotic street trees in their urban environments. Here we investigate this situation in the city of Fortaleza, Brazil’s fifth largest city. Through an extensive qualitative survey, complemented by published quantitative surveys, we developed the most complete inventory done to date in Fortaleza. We registered the largest possible number of plant species which we could record in the public treescape of the city. We recorded 219 tree species, of which 158 were exotic to Fortaleza’s ecosystems. Of the 61 native species, some were represented only by relictual individuals spared during urban growth and only 39 native species were cultivated plants. Most of these 39 cultivated natives are represented by a small number of individuals in the city, while most of common trees are exotic species. We show that many native plants that are potentially suitable for ornamental use in urban settings are being ignored and argue that exotics are overvalued, including some plants that are invasive. We also discuss the consequences of the predominance of alien species for the public perception of native biodiversity. We advocate that increasing the number of native plants in cities has many advantages from an ecological perspective.

Flora do Ceará, Brasil: Capparaceae

Capparaceae comprises 25 genera and approximately 500 species, having worldwide distribution, but occurring especially in tropical and subtropical regions and being well represented in seasonally dry tropical forests. In Brazil, there are 12 genera and 28 species, twelve of which are endemic. Species of Capparaceae are woody plants with simple leaves or 3-foliolate (Crateva); flowers having an exsert gynophore and succulent fruits. This study aims to describe the species of Capparaceae occurring in Ceara and map their distribution within the state, thus contributing to the understanding of the local flora. This study was based on the analysis of specimens obtained during field work, material available from the herbaria EAC, HUEFS, HVASF, IPA and UFRN, and examination of bibliography and types. Five species were recorded: Capparidastrum frondosum, Crateva tapia, Cynophalla flexuosa, Cynophalla hastata and Neocalyptrocalyx longifolium. Identification key, descriptions, comments about ecology, phenology, maps and illustrations of each species are provided.

Naturalization and potential impact of the exotic tree Azadirachta indica A.Juss. in Northeastern Brazil

Invasive species are among the leading causes of biodiversity loss on the planet, and some species that have become invasive were intentionally introduced for ornamental or commercial purposes. Azadirachta indica A.Juss. (Indian neem) is an exotic species that is widely cultivated in the northeastern region of Brazil, both in plantations and as an ornamental or shade tree, where it has reached reproductive phase in recent years. In order to assess its level of naturalization and the geographic range where this species has reproductive capacity, we observed A. indica specimens cultivated in Fortaleza (Ceara) since 2006 and performed field observations in several other localities in Ceara, Rio Grande do Norte, Paraiba and Piaui states. Currently, the species reproduces near the coast as well as in the semiarid interior of the Northeast, and is able to establish regenerating populations. Thus, the species is naturalized in Brazil with the potential to become invasive in the near future.

Plant Biodiversity Drivers in Brazilian Campos Rupestres: Insights from Phylogenetic Structure

Old, climate-buffered infertile landscapes (Ocbils) have attracted increasing levels of interest in recent years because of their exceptionally diverse plant communities. Brazil’s campos rupestres (rupestrian grasslands) are home to almost 15% of Brazil’s native flora in less than 0.8% of Brazil’s territory: an ideal study system for exploring variation in floristic diversity and phylogenetic structure in sites differing in geology and phytophysiognomy. We found significant differences in floristic diversity and phylogenetic structure across a range of study sites encompassing open vegetation and forest on quartzite (FQ) and on ironstone substrates, commonly termed canga. Substrate and physiognomy were key in structuring floristic diversity in the Espinhaço and physiognomy was more important than substrate in structuring phylogenetic diversity, with neither substrate nor its interaction with physiognomy accounting for significant variation in phylogenetic structure. Phylogenetic clustering was significant in open vegetation on both canga and quartzite, reflecting the potential role of environmental filtering in these exposed montane communities adapted to multiple environmental stressors. In forest communities, phylogenetic clustering was significant only at relatively deep nodes of the phylogeny in FQ while no significant phylogenetic clustering was detected across forest on canga (FC), which may be attributable to proximity to the megadiverse Atlantic forest biome and/or comparatively benign environmental conditions in FC with relatively deep, nutrient-rich soils and access to edaphic water reliable in comparison to those for open vegetation on canga and open or forest communities on quartzite. Clades representing relatively old lineages are significantly over-represented in campos rupestres on quartzite, consistent with the Gondwanan Heritage Hypothesis of Ocbil theory. In contrast, forested sites on canga are recognized as Yodfels. To be effective, conservation measures must take account of the distinct communities which are encompassed within the broad term campos rupestres, and the differing vulnerabilities of Ocbils and Yodfels.

Raunkiaerian life-forms in the Atlantic forest and comparisons of life-form spectra among Brazilian main biomes

Life-form spectra are known to vary greatly among different biomes, being largely defined by macroclimates on a global scale. Benign climates usually have biomes with a large proportion of phanerophytes, whereas harsher climates favor life-forms with greater degrees of bud protection. We sampled the flora of a semideciduous Atlantic forest and classified each recorded species in one of the Raunkiaerian life-forms. We then compared the biological spectrum of this seasonal forest with other published spectra of the main Brazilian biomes. We show that each biome has a clear functional spectrum and that the semideciduous Atlantic forest is to some extent functionally similar to Amazonian and Atlantic ombrophilous forests. The relatively moist semideciduous and the ombrophilous forests have biological spectra dominated by phanerophytes. The fire-prone, seasonal “Cerrado” savannas have spectra dominated by both phanerophytes and hemicryptophytes. However, the spectra of the semiarid “Caatinga” woodlands seem to depend on soil type: woodlands on crystalline terrains are dominated by therophytes, whereas those on sedimentary terrains are dominated by both phanerophytes and therophytes. Sedimentary caatingas have spectra whose features are in an intermediate position between those of crystalline caatingas and moist forests. On a continental scale, macroclimate seems to be the most important environmental factor separating different biological spectra, but wildfires in the “Cerrado” and soil differences between crystalline and sedimentary Caatinga woodlands also play an important role in defining the local spectrum on a regional scale.