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Less than half of the original two million square kilometers of the Cerrado vegetation remains standing, and there are still many uncertainties as to how to conserve and prioritize remaining areas effectively. A key limitation is the continuing lack of geographically-extensive evaluation of ecosystem-level properties across the biome. Here we sought to address this gap by comparing the woody vegetation of the typical cerrado of the Cerrado–Amazonia Transition with that of the core area of the Cerrado in terms of both tree diversity and vegetation biomass. We used 21 one-hectare plots in the transition and 18 in the core to compare key structural parameters (tree height, basal area, and above-ground biomass), and diversity metrics between the regions. We also evaluated the effects of temperature and precipitation on biomass, as well as explored the species diversity versus biomass relationship. We found, for the first time, both that the typical cerrado at the transition holds substantially more biomass than at the core, and that higher temperature and greater precipitation can explain this difference. By contrast, plot-level alpha diversity was almost identical in the two regions. Finally, contrary to some theoretical expectations, we found no positive relationship between species diversity and biomass for the Cerrado woody vegetation. This has implications for the development of effective conservation measures, given that areas with high biomass and importance for the compensation of greenhouse gas emissions are often not those with the greatest diversity.

The Global Strategy for Plant Conservation (GSPC) was established by the Conference of Parties in 2002 to decrease the loss of plant diversity, reduce poverty and contribute to sustainable development. To achieve this overarching goal, the GSPC has established a series of targets, one of which is to ensure that plant diversity is well understood, so that it can be effectively conserved and used in a sustainable manner. Brazil hosts more than 46,000 species of plants, algae and fungi, representing one of the most biodiverse countries on Earth, and playing a key role in the GSPC. To meet the GSPC goals of Target 1 and facilitate access to plant diversity, Brazil committed to preparing the List of Species of the Brazilian Flora (2008-2015) and the Brazilian Flora 2020 (2016-present). Managing all the information associated with such great biodiversity has proven to be an extremely challenging task. Here, we synthesize the history of these projects, focusing on the multidisciplinary and collaborative approach adopted to develop and manage the inclusion of all the knowledge generated though digital information systems. We further describe the methods used, challenges faced, and strategies adopted, as well as summarize advances to date and prospects for completing the Brazilian flora in 2020.

Defining the reference system for restoration projects in regions characterized by complex vegetation mosaics is challenging. Here we use the Cerrado region of Brazil as an example of the importance of clearly defining multiple natural and anthropogenically altered states in grassland‐savanna‐forest mosaics. We define three main, natural vegetation types–grassland, savanna, and scleromorphic (cerradao) forest–to (1) distinguish between original and degraded states and (2) set appropriate targets for and guide restoration. We contend that the differences in Cerrado vegetation composition originally were driven by soil conditions and secondarily by fire frequency and precipitation patterns that differ from the core to the edge of the Cerrado region. Grasslands are found on the shallowest, least fertile soils and/or in waterlogged soils; scleromorphic forests are generally located on deeper, more fertile soils; and savannas occupy an intermediate position. In recent decades, this biophysical template has been overlain by a range of human land‐use intensities that strongly affect resilience, resulting in alternative anthropogenic states. For example, areas that were originally scleromorphic forest are likely to regenerate naturally following low‐ or medium‐intensity land use due to extensive resprouting of woody plants, whereas grassland restoration requires reintroduction of grass and forb species that do not tolerate soil disturbance and exotic grass competition. Planting trees into historic grasslands results in inappropriate restoration targets and often restoration failure. Correctly identifying original vegetation types is critical to most effectively allocate scarce restoration funding.

Topsoil translocation has been used for vegetation restoration throughout the world, but it has been poorly tested within savannas. This study describes Brazilian savanna (cerrado) regeneration for the first 3 years following topsoil translocation. The topsoil was stripped from 2.5 ha of savanna and spread on 1 ha of an abandoned laterite quarry in the Federal District, Brazil. We assessed vegetation structure and species composition in 18 circular plots (3.14/m2) after 5 and 15 months and in 30 circular plots after 37 months. In the last floristic survey, the coverage of herbs was estimated using the step-point method. To verify the source of regeneration, a total of 181 shrubs and trees were excavated over the first 2 surveys. After 3 years, 24, 40, and 21 species of herbs, shrubs, and trees, respectively, had been recorded by the surveys. Of the 33 families found, Fabaceae, Poaceae, and Asteraceae were the most representative. At 5 and 15 months, 91 and 83% of the individuals (shrubs and trees combined) were derived from resprouting, respectively. Shrub and tree stem density reached 3.2/m2 at 5 months, but declined to 0.5/m2 at 37 months. By the final survey, native and exotic grasses completely covered the ground. Topsoil translocation was effective for the propagation of native herbs, shrubs, and trees, despite the need to control invasive grasses. The large number of shrub and tree resprouts from roots suggests that the bud bank is an important component of the topsoil for savanna restoration.

International Association for Vegetation Science Aims: The herb–shrub flora has been widely neglected in science and conservation policy throughout the world, so that this biodiversity component remains largely unknown. The objective of this study was to elucidate the spatial patterns of species richness and phytogeographic regions of the Cerrado herb–shrub flora, and to estimate the percentage of areas with high species richness that is still covered by natural vegetation and is located in protected areas or priority areas for conservation. Location: Central Brazil and surrounding territories. Methods: To estimate the pattern of species richness we produced species distribution models (SDMs) for 5362 species using botanical records combined with 17 least correlated environmental variables. All SDMs were tested against a bias-corrected null model and the 5039 significant SDMs were stacked to generate the pattern of botanical richness. The resulting presence–absence matrix was subjected to a partitioning around medoids (PAM) cluster analysis to delineate phytogeographic regions. Results: The pattern of species richness indicated that highest levels of richness are in the central–south and west parts of the Cerrado. The study recognized two floristically distinct clusters at the core of the Cerrado region, and seven additional regions that share floristic elements with the two core clusters. Many areas with high levels of modelled species richness are located outside protected and priority areas for conservation. Conclusions: We recognized patterns of regional variation, reflected in the phytogeographic division. Furthermore, we show that the current protected areas in Brazil do not effectively protect high richness areas of the herb–shrub flora.

A composição e a estrutura do componente arbóreo foram caracterizadas em dois fragmentos de floresta estacional na bacia do médio rio Tocantins e comparadas com outros remanescentes dessa fitofisionomia em outras regiões do Brasil. Os indivíduos foram amostrados em 17 parcelas de 20 × 50 m, nos municípios de Palmeirópolis (TO) e Minaçú (GO). Em cada parcela foram mensurados todos os indivíduos lenhosos que apresentaram diâmetro igual ou superior a 5 cm, medido a 1,30 m do solo (DAP > 5 cm). A maior similaridade florística desses dois remanescentes com outras florestas estacionais mais próximas não apresentou um padrão claro. A composição florística nos fragmentos estudados foi mais similar a uma floresta estacional decidual no vale do Paranã, embora muito dissimilar em relação à outra floresta decidual nesse mesmo vale. Esse resultado e a maior dissimilaridade em relação às florestas do sul de Goiás sugerem que as atuais florestas apresentaram composição e estrutura características de florestas estacionais de baixa altitude da bacia do médio/alto rio Tocantins. Os resultados também indicam que cada fragmento investigado apresenta uma flora própria, com estrutura e diversidade relativamente similares. This work describes the woody layer composition and structure in two seasonal forest fragments in the Tocantins river basin and compares them to other remnants of this forest physiognomy in Brazil. The survey was carried out by using 17 plot samples (20 × 50 m) located in Palmeirópolis, state of Tocantins, and in Minaçú, state of Goiás. All woody individuals showing diameters > 5 cm, at 1.30 cm above ground level, were recorded. The higher floristic similarity of these forest remnants compared with other closer seasonal forests did not show a distinct pattern. The floristic composition was more similar to that of a deciduous seasonal forest in the Paranã valley, and more dissimilar to other forests in this same valley. This result and a higher dissimilarity related to the southern forests in Goiás suggest that the forest fragments showed a floristic composition and structure typical of lowland seasonal forests in the Tocantins river basin. The results also indicated that the forest fragments have distinct floristic compositions with a relatively similar structure and diversity.

A comprehensive new inventory of Brazilian plants and fungi was published just in time to meet a 2010 Convention on Biological Diversity target and offers important insights into this biodiversity's global significance. Brazil is the home to the world's richest flora (40,989 species; 18,932 endemic) and includes two of the hottest hotspots: Mata Atlântica (19,355 species) and Cerrado (12,669 species). Although the total number of known species is one-third lower than previous estimates, the absolute number of endemic vascular plant species is higher than was previously estimated, and the proportion of endemism (56%) is the highest in the Neotropics. This compilation serves not merely to quantify the scale of the challenge faced in conserving Brazil's unique flora but also serves as a key resource to direct action and monitor progress. Similar efforts by other megadiverse countries are urgently required if the 2020 targets of the Convention on Biological Diversity and the Global Strategy for Plant Conserva...

The cerrado has been identified as one of the richest and most threatened biomes of the world, but few phytogeographical studies have been undertaken in the region. A total of 70 land systems based on climate, landscape and soils have been identified in the region, but it remains to be seen if the distribution and structure of the plant communities support these divisions. The aim of this work was to compare the floristic and structural similarity of cerrado sensu stricto within and between three physiographic units, named Pratinha, Veadeiros and Sao Francisco, which contain six land systems in central Brazil and cover 10 degrees of latitude and five degrees of longitude. The woody vegetation of 15 selected sites of the cerrado sensu stricto physiognomy was surveyed under a standardized methodology. The number of species per site varied from 55 to 97, with most sites having around 60 to 70 species, and Shannon´s diversity indices ranged from 3.44 to 3.73, with most sites around 3.5 suggesting high alpha diversity. Sorensen´s floristic similarity index was high, with all Figures above 0.5 between the sites in the same land system in each physiographic unit but low between sites in different land systems in the Veadeiros. Czekanowski similarity indices were lower than Sorensen’s in the comparisons due to a high structural differentiation between the sites. There is a large overlap in species occurrence in the sites but the size of their populations is very different at each site. Therefore, the high beta diversity is mostly due to differences in abundance of species between sites. The sites were separated by physiographic units, considering the first three divisions of TWINSPAN classification. The first axis of DCA ordination showed a gradient going from the cerrado on deep soils in Pratinha, through to those on sandy soils in Sao Francisco and ending on the shallower soils of the Veadeiros. Land systems conformed well with the floristic and structural variations of the vegetation, indicating their potential use in designing a network of conservation areas in the cerrado region and as a basis for decision-making on management.

Processes driving the assembly of swamp forest communities have been poorly explored. We analyzed natural regeneration and adult tree communities data of a swamp gallery forest in Central Brazil to discuss the role of ecological filters in shaping plant species turnover in a successional gradient. Species data of 120 plots were used to assess species turnover between natural regeneration and adult tree communities. Our analyses were based on 4995 individuals belonging to 72 species. Community patterns were discerned using ordination analyses. A clear floristic turnover among plant life stages was distinguished. Regeneration community of swamp forests was richer in species composition than the adult community. Tree species commonly found in nonflooded gallery forests were present in the regeneration plots but not in the adult community. Differences in the floristic composition of these two strata suggest that not all species in the seedling stage can stand permanent flooding conditions and only a few tolerant species survive to become adult trees. We propose that natural disturbances play an important role by altering limiting resources, allowing seeds of nonflooded forest species to germinate. This paper elucidates the turnover between plant life stages in swamp forests and suggests mechanisms that may shape these communities.

(Dinâmica do componente arbóreo de uma mata de galeria inundável (Brasília, Distrito Federal) em um período de oito anos). As matas de galeria são importantes na manutenção dos recursos hídricos e da biodiversidade do Planalto Central, mas estão submetidas a fortes impactos antrópicos. Aquelas que ocorrem em solos mal drenados são pouquíssimo estudadas, com consequências negativas sobre sua conservação. Este trabalho objetivou avaliar a dinâmica florística e estrutural de um trecho de mata de galeria inundável na Fazenda Sucupira (15°54'22" S; 48°00'34" W), Brasília, Distrito Federal, em um período de oito anos (2000 a 2008). Nas duas medições realizadas, em 40 parcelas (0,8 ha) de 20 × 10 m, foram amostrados todos os indivíduos arbóreos com DAP ³ 3,0 cm. A primeira medição registrou 3.048 indivíduos, distribuídos em 50 espécies e 41 gêneros (32 famílias). Na segunda medição foram encontrados 2.728 indivíduos, pertencentes a 59 espécies e 48 gêneros (36 famílias). Em 2008 verificou-se diminuição de 320 indivíduos, mas acréscimo de 9 espécies, 7 gêneros e 4 famílias. O período monitorado revelou altas taxas de mortalidade (4,25% ano-1) e recrutamento (3,67% ano-1), mudanças consideráveis na importância de muitas espécies, sem alterações significativas na diversidade: H' = 2,84 nats indivíduo-1, J' = 0,73 em 2000; H' = 3,02 nats indivíduo-1, J' = 0,74 em 2008. Esses ambientes diferenciados parecem ser muito dinâmicos em sua florística, sem que a estrutura comunitária e a diversidade sejam afetadas. Mais estudos de dinâmica, por períodos mais longos, ainda são necessários para que se possa compreender o ambiente florestal inundável do Brasil Central com mais segurança, gerando informações que subsidiem ações prementes de conservação. (Dynamics of the arboreal component in a swamp gallery forest (Brasília, Federal District) over an eight year period). Gallery forests play an important role in supporting the water resources and biodiversity of the Brazilian Central Plateau, but they have been under strong anthropic impact. Those that occur in poorly drained soils are little studied, with negative consequences for their conservation. The aim of this work was to evaluate the floristic and structural dynamics of a swamp gallery forest fragment at Fazenda Sucupira (15°54'22" S; 48°00'34" W), Brasília, Federal District, over an eight year period (2000 to 2008). Two measurements were carried out in 40 plots (0.8 ha) of 20 × 10 m. All individuals with DAP ³ 3.0 cm were recorded. The first measurement registered 3,048 individuals, distributed in 50 species, 41 genera (32 families). In the second measurement 2,728 individuals were found, belonging to 59 species, 48 genera (36 families). In 2008 there was a reduction of 320 individuals but an addition of 9 species, 7 genera and 4 families. The monitoring period showed high rates of mortality (4.25% year-1) and recruitment (3.67% year-1), changes in the importance of many species, without significant modification of the diversity index: H' = 2.84 nats ind.-1, J' = 0.73 in 2000 and H' = 3.02 nats ind.-1, J' = 0.74 in 2008. This unique type of gallery forest seems to be dynamic in its floristic community, without detectable effects on structure and diversity. More studies focused on community dynamic, for longer periods are still needed for a better understanding of the swamp forest environment in Central Brazil, and to generate information for conservation action plans.

No Brasil, várias espécies de gramíneas são citadas como invasoras em Unidades de Conservação. Contudo, ainda se conhece muito pouco sobre o impacto do estabelecimento e da colonização dessas espécies nas áreas protegidas. Entre as gramíneas exóticas introduzidas no bioma Cerrado merece destaque a espécie africana Melinis minutiflora P. Beauv., o capim-gordura. O presente estudo objetivou avaliar o impacto desta invasora na biomassa e na riqueza da comunidade nativa em uma área de Cerrado Ralo invadido, como também estudar a dinâmica da vegetação do estrato rasteiro submetida à aplicação de diferentes técnicas de manejo para o controle do capim-gordura. Os resultados mostraram que, na área experimental, onde o capimgordura representa cerca 62% da biomassa total do estrato rasteiro, o número de espécies nativas encontradas foi alto. Nas áreas onde o capim-gordura apresentou alto índice de colonização (> 98%), sua biomassa alcançou cerca de duas vezes a biomassa do estrato rasteiro registrada para o Cerrado. A realização de uma queimada não foi suficiente para controlar o capim-gordura, porque após três anos a sua biomassa se aproximou aos valores encontrados inicialmente. Por outro lado, no tratamento manejo integrado (maio ou setembro) a redução de mais de 99,9% na sua presença favoreceu a expansão da vegetação nativa, configurando-se, assim, uma estratégia promissora para a recuperação ambiental das áreas invadidas pelo capim-gordura no Cerrado. In Brazil, several grass species are cited as invaders of protected areas. However, little is known about the impacts due to establishment and colonization of these species in protected areas in Brazil. Among the exotic grasses introduced into the Cerrado the African species Melinis minutiflora P. Beauv., molasses grass, deserves special mention. The objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of this grass on the biomass and species richness of the native community in an area of invaded Cerrado as well as to study the dynamics of the vegetation of the ground layer after different management treatments for control of molasses grass. The results showed that in the experimental area, where molasses grass composed 62% of the total biomass of the ground layer, the number of native species was high. In the areas where molasses grass had a high degree of coverage (> 98%) its biomass was approximately two times higher than values cited in other studies in the Cerrado. Between three and four years after using fire as a management tool for control of molasses grass its biomass returned to values similar to those observed prior to this treatment. Contrarily, with an integrated management treatment (May or September) a reduction of 99.9% in the presence of molasses grass was observed along with a recovery of native vegetation, making this a promising strategy for recuperation of areas in the Cerrado that were invaded by molasses grass.

Foram selecionadas seis áreas de estudo, Estação Ecológica de Aguas Emendadas-DF, Parque Nacional de Brasília-DF, APA Gama-Cabeça do Veado-DF, Silvânia-GO, Paracatu-MG e Patrocínio-MG na Chapada Pratinha (15-20º S e 46-49º W), três delas em unidades de conservação e três fora delas. Em cada área foram amostradas 10 parcelas de 1000 m² (20x50m). Todas as árvores a partir de 5 cm de diâmetro na base do tronco foram medidas e identificadas. A florística e a fitossociologia de cada área foi analisada e estas foram comparadas entre si pelos índices de similaridade de Sørense e de Morisita. No total foram encontradas 139 espécies e 42 famílias sendo que apenas 22 espécies foram comuns a todas as áreas. Leguminosae e Vochysiaceae apresentaram valores de importância elevados em todas as áreas. As densidades por ha variaram de 664 a 1396. Os índices de diversidade de Shannon variaram de 3,11 a 3.56. As similaridades foram altas pelo índices de Sorensen, de 0,5 a 0,7, porém baixas pelo de Morisita quando se comparou as áreas de Paracatu e Patrocínio com as demais áreas. Foi concluído que as diferenças florísticas e principalmente estruturais foram elevadas entre estas duas áreas que são mais distantes e se situam a menores altitudes do que aquelas situadas nas unidades de conservação existentes na chapada sendo sugerida a criação de novas unidades nestes Municípios.

O presente estudo foi conduzido em dois fragmentos de cerrado stricto sensu, no Projeto de Colonização Gerais de Balsas, sul do Maranhão, Brasil. O objetivo do estudo foi avaliar a dinâmica da comunidade lenhosa no período de sete anos (1995-2002). Foram estabelecidos quatro transectos de 160 × 20 m nos fragmentos, onde foram marcadas todas as plantas lenhosas com diâmetro do caule > 3 cm, medidos a 0,30 m acima do solo. Em 1995, 983 e 1.177 plantas foram registradas nos fragmentos 1 e 2, respectivamente, e em 2002, 1.057 e 1.406 plantas foram amostradas nos mesmos locais. Em 1995, o índice de diversidade de Shannon (H') foi de 3,07 e 3,33, nos fragmentos 1 e 2, respectivamente, alcançando o valor máximo em 2002 (3,11 e 3,35). A comunidade do fragmento 1 aumentou 7,5% em densidade e 4,4% em área basal entre 1995 e 2002, enquanto que o fragmento 2 apresentou aumento de 19,4% na densidade e 23,5% em área basal, no mesmo período. O incremento anual em diâmetro foi 0,13 cm ano-1 e 0,17 cm ano-1 nos fragmentos 1 e 2, respectivamente. A taxa de mortalidade foi 2,73% ano-1 no fragmento 1 e 4,88% ano-1 no fragmento 2, enquanto a taxa de recrutamento foi 3,25% ano-1 e 5,86% ano-1, respectivamente. A comunidade vegetal estudada apresentou altas taxas de recrutamento e mortalidade comparadas à outros trabalhos conduzidos em diferentes localidades, indicando que se trata de uma comunidade altamente dinâmica no período estudado. This study was conducted in two fragments of "cerrado" stricto sensu in the Gerais de Balsas Colonization Project, located in southern Maranhão, Brazil. The objective was to evaluate the dynamics of the woody plant community, over seven years (1995-2002). Four transects of 160 × 20 m were monitored. All woody plants with a stem diameter > 3 cm, at 0.30 m above ground level, were recorded. In 1995, 983 and 1,177 stems were sampled in fragments 1 and 2, respectively; in 2002, 1057 and 1406 stems were sampled in the same fragments. In 1995, the Shannon diversity indices (H') were 3.07 and 3.33, in fragments 1 and 2, respectively, reaching their maximum value in 2002 of 3.11 and 3.35. The community of fragment 1 showed an increase of 7.5% in density and 4.4% in basal area between 1995 and 2002, while in fragment 2 there was an increment of 19.4% in density and 23.5% in basal area, over the same period. The annual increment in diameter was 0.13 cm year-1 and 0.17 cm year-1 in fragments 1 and 2, respectively. The mortality rate was 2.73% per year in fragment 1 and 4.88% per year in fragment 2, while the recruitment rate was 3.25% per year and 5.86% per year, respectively. The community presented high recruitment and mortality rates compared to the studies conducted in other sites, indicating a community that was highly dynamic in the period studied.

As Matas de Galeria do bioma Cerrado possuem peculiaridades fisionômicas e florísticas que permitem separá-las em dois subtipos: "não-inundável", quando em solos bem drenados; e "inundável", o subtipo menos estudado, em solos mal drenados. O presente trabalho objetivou caracterizar estrutural e floristicamente dois trechos inundáveis das matas dos córregos Acampamento (15°35'S; 48°10'W) e Riacho Fundo (15°55'S; 48°02'W) no Distrito Federal (DF). Para isso foi alocada em cada Mata uma grade de 160×50 m (0,8 ha), composta por 40 parcelas de 10×20 m (200 m²). Todos os indivíduos com diâmetro a 1,30 m da altura do solo (DAP > 3,0 cm) foram amostrados, incluindo aqueles mortos ainda em pé. Foram amostrados 6.078 indivíduos, sendo 3.030 no trecho do Acampamento (33 famílias, 49 gêneros e 60 espécies) e 3.048 no Riacho Fundo (30 famílias, 41 gêneros, 53 espécies). A área basal e a diversidade (H') calculada para os trechos foram de 47,96 m²/ha e 2,99 nats/ind. (Acampamento), e 41,28 m²/ha e 2,84 nats/ind. (Riacho Fundo), respectivamente. Se comparados com matas anteriormente estudadas no DF os valores de diversidade são baixos, estando na mesma magnitude indicada para as Matas de Brejo (Higrófilas) do sudeste brasileiro. Os índices de similaridade indicaram alta semelhança qualitativa (Sørensen 58,0%) e quantitativa (Morisita 70,6%) entre os trechos estudados, embora uma classificação por TWINSPAN tenha gerado dois grupos distintos, cada qual vinculado a um dos trechos. Os resultados reforçam indicações anteriores de que as Matas de Galeria do DF, ou trechos similares destas, inundáveis ou não, possuem comunidades arbóreas particulares, as quais estão relacionadas à bacia hidrográfica na qual a Mata esta inserida e ao padrão determinante da drenagem do solo. Gallery forests in the Cerrado biome possess physiognomic and floristic peculiarities that allow its division in two subtypes: "non-swamp" located in well drained soils; and "swamp" the less studied subtype, located in badly drained soils. The present study aimed to characterize the structure and the flora of two swamped portions in the gallery forests of the Acampamento stream (15°35'S; 48°10'W) and the Riacho Fundo stream (15°55'S and 48°02'W), both in Distrito Federal (DF). In each forest it was allocated a grid of 160×50 m (0.8 ha), composed by 40 plots of 10×20 m (200 m²). All the individuals with DBH > 3.0 cm were surveyed, including the standing dead plants. It was sampled 6,078 individuals, being 3,030 in the swamped portion of Acampamento stream (33 families, 49 genera and 60 species) and 3,048 in the Riacho Fund portion (30 families, 41 genera, 53 species). The basal area (dominance) and the diversity (H') for the studied portions were 47.96 m²/ha and 2.99 nats/ind. (Acampamento) and 41.28 m²/ha and 2.84 nats/ind. (Riacho Fundo), respectively. If compared to others gallery forests previously studied in Distrito Federal, such diversity values are considered low, although they are similar to that indicated for the "Swamp Forests" ("Matas de Brejo") of southeastern Brazil. The similarity indexes of Sørensen (58.0%) and Morisita (70.6%) point to high qualitative and quantitative similarity among portions. However the classification accomplished by TWINSPAN generated two distinct groups, each one linked to one of the portions studied (Acampamento and Riacho Fundo). These results reinforce previous indications that distinct gallery forests in Distrito Federal, or even similar portions on that, show different floristic patches. This variation are related to the hydrographic basin in which the gallery forest is inserted, and the soil drainage.

(Comparação do padrão da distribuição espacial em escalas diferentes de espécies nativas do cerrado, em Brasília, DF). O padrão de agrupamento espacial de três espécies arbóreas, Caryocar brasiliense, Pterodon pubescens e Sclerolobium paniculatum, e duas espécies de palmeiras, Syagrus comosa e S. flexuosa, nativas do cerrado, foi investigado usando três métodos de variância entre parcelas. Os dados foram coletados em uma área de cerrado sensu strictu da Fazenda Água Limpa da Universidade de Brasília, em Brasília, DF, em 128 parcelas contíguas de 5 x 8 m cada. Em cada parcela, foram procurados todos os indivíduos das espécies, anotando o número encontrado e suas alturas. Os dados foram tabelados e analisados usando as técnicas de variância entre blocos de parcelas (BQV), variância móvel entre blocos de parcelas (TTLQV) e variância entre parcelas pareadas (PQV), tanto para todos os indivíduos encontrados quanto para somente os indivíduos lenhosos maiores do que 130 cm em altura. O número total de indivíduos encontrado foi 138 para C. brasiliense, 34 para P. pubescens, 82 para S. paniculatum, oito para S. comosa e 36 para S. flexuosa. Todas as espécies apresentaram um padrão agrupado de distribuição espacial em pelo menos uma das metodologias e três das cinco espécies tiveram resultados semelhantes em todos os métodos. O padrão para C. brasiliense foi semelhante ao encontrado para esta mesma espécie em outra região do cerrado, utilizando a mesma metodologia, com uma distância de aproximadamente 350 m entre grupos. _______________________________________________________________________________ ABSTRACT (Comparison of scale in the spatial distribution of native species of the cerrado, em Brasília, DF). The scale of spatial distribution of three native tree species, Caryocar brasiliense, Pterodon pubescens and Sclerolobium paniculatum, and two native palm species, Syagrus comosa and S. flexuosa, in the cerrado was determined using three quadrat variance methods. The data were collected in an area of cerrado, sensu stricto, on the Fazenda Água Limpa of the University of Brasília in 128 contiguous quadrats of 5 x 8 m each. In each quadrat, all individuals of each species were located and their height measured. The scale of spatial distribution of each species was evaluated with the following methods: blocked quadrat variance (BQV); two-term local quadrat variance (TTLQV) and paired quadrat variance (PQV), for both all individuals and all woody individuals over 130 cm in height. The total number of individuals was 138 for C. brasiliense, 34 for P. pubescens, 82 for S. paniculatum, eight for S. comosa and 36 for S. flexuosa. All species showed a group in at least one of the methods. The time spent in collection of data was comparable to that for other studies of spatial distribuition and three of the five species had similar results in all methods. The pattern for C. brasiliense was similar to that found in another study using the same methodology, with a distance of approximately 350 m between groups.

This study provides a checklist of the phanerogams and pteridophytes of the Tocantins river middle basin, in northern Goiás state and southern Tocantins state, Brazil. Herbarium samples were collected from 2000 to 2009 and this floristic survey recorded 1572 species from 135 families. The most species-rich families were Fabaceae (217), Poaceae (116), Asteraceae (88), Euphorbiaceae (65), Orchidaceae (58) and Malpighiaceae (56). Furthermore, 14 endangered species and 31 rare species were recorded, mainly associated with the campos rupestres in the Veadeiros Plateau region. The flora mainly from the phytophyisiognomies cerrado stricto sensu, campo rupestre ("rocky fields"), mata de galeria ("gallery forest"), mata ciliar ("riverine forest") and semi-deciduous seasonal forest comprised typical species of the mid-western Cerrado floristic province, such as the most widely known woody plants Anadenanthera colubrina (Vell.) Brenan (popular name angico), Aspidosperma subincanum Mart. ex A. DC. (guatambú), Astronium fraxinifolium Schott ex Spreng. (gonçalo-alves), Callisthene fasciculata Mart. (pau-jacaré), Dipteryx alata Vogel (barú), Guazuma ulmifolia Lam. (mutamba) and Magonia pubescens A. St.-Hil. (tingui). This study is the first to record a wide floristic list of this important region of central Brazil.