STRUCTURE OF A SWAMP FORESTS ON PEAT SUBSTRATES, SOUTH OF SANTA CATARINA, BRAZIL

This study aimed to describe the diversity and structure of woody vegetation of a swamp forests on peat substrate in the southern state of Santa Catarina, correlating floristic data with environmental variables. Individuals with DBH >= 5 cm were sampled in 100 plots of 10 x 10 m in one hectare squared plot. Environmental variables are classified in topographical, chemical and soil texture and light availability. Species-environment correlations were obtained by Canonical Correspondence Analysis (CCA). Floristic comparisons were performed by cluster (UPGMA) and correspondence analysis. Diversity was considered low because of the occurrence only 26 species in the whole sample. The CCA revealed that the measured variables have little influence on the distribution of species, highlighting the adaptation of these strong limiting environment. Similarity data showed that the peat substrate acts as an additional environmental filter beyond water stress to define species composition in Peat formations.