SILVA, José Evanaldo Rangel da.; BAKKE, Ivonete Alves.; BAKKE, Olaf Andreas.
Abstract:
Natural regeneration begins with seed dispersion. It includes seedlings and individuals at several stages of
development. Cumaru (Amburana cearensis), aroeira (Myracrodruon urundeuva) and ipê-roxo (Tabebuia
impetiginosa), the species considered in this study, present a high lumber potential and are characteristic of
the arboreal type of Caatinga, however its ecology and distribution were not studied so far. The objectives of
this study were to evaluate the community structure of these three species in a preserved Caatinga site, their
natural pattern of seed production and dispersion, seedling development and population stratification. The
study was carried out in the following phases: litter collection close to the trees before seed dispersion, litter
collection close to T. impetiginosa trees after seed dispersion, and data collection for population stratification
and seedling monitoring in the field. Seeds of the three studied species are transitory as they germinated
within one year after seed dispersal. Tabebuia. impetiginosa seeds seem to be dispersed equally around the
tree, and, under controlled conditions, germination occurs within the first four weeks when litter moisture is
satisfactory. Tree regeneration in most numerous in the lower height and diameter classes, denoting a high
regeneration rate. Among the studied species, A. cearensis contributed the most to the tree stratum.
