Phytosociology of the Rio Tavares mangal (Santa Catarina Island, Florianópolis, SC - Brazil)

Abstract

Four di1ferent types of groups were found in the Rio Tavares mangal: 1) Avicennia Mangal, which occupies nearly ali oceanic margin and presents the highest height, basal area, and mean diameter (DBH), and the lowest densities; 2) Rhizophora Mangal and 3) Laguncularia Mangal, with lower occurrence; and 4) Mixed Mangal, which occupies the largest area and is formed by at least two of the three typical mangrove species. Avicennia schaueriana showed the highest height, basal area, and mean diameter. Considering only individuals with DBH ? 2.5cm, A. schaueriana presented the highest density (1148 plants/ha), followed by Rhizophora mangle (844 plants/ha), and Laguncularia racemosa (644 plants/ha). Considering only individuals with a minimum height of O.5m, R. mangle showed the highest density (4695 plants/ha), followed by A. schaueriana (2321 plants/ha), and L. racemosa (1192 plants/ha). The values found for density and basal area were considerably higher than those found in the literature on mangals from Santa Catarina Island.