Natural regeneration of tree species in the understory of Corymbia citriodora in Florestal city, Minas Gerais, Brazil

The natural regeneration of tree species in forested areas has been studied by several researches. This study aimed to evaluate the natural regeneration of tree species in Corymbia citriodora (Hook.) K. D. Hill & L. A. Johnson planted forest understory in Florestal, Minas Gerais, Brazil. Individuals with diameter at breast height (DBH) ≥ 5 cm were evaluated in seven 25 x 4 m plots randomly distributed. A phytosociological survey was carried out and the ecological groups and the dispersal syndromes of the regenerants were determined. We found 28 species belonging to 12 families, among which Fabacea and Annonaceae stood out. Density was 1,557 regenerants ha-1, and basal area was 23 m2 ha-1. The most important species were Psidium sp; Schefflera macrocarpa (Cham. & Schltdl.) Frodin; Pera  glabrata (Schott) Poepp. ex Baill.; Astronium fraxinifolium Schott & Spreng.; Matayba guianensis Aubl.; and Plathymenia reticulata Benth. We found 35% pioneer, 40% early secondary, 18% late secondary, and 7% climax species, of which 57% are zoochoric, 40% anemochoric, and 3% autochoric. It is concluded that the natural regeneration in the understory studied comprises typical species of the Seasonal Semideciduous Forest of the Atlantic Forest biome, presenting significant density and individuals from all ecological groups.The natural regeneration of tree species in forested areas has been studied by several researches. This study aimed to evaluate the natural regeneration of tree species in Corymbia citriodora (Hook.) K. D. Hill & L. A. Johnson planted forest understory in Florestal, Minas Gerais, Brazil. Individuals with diameter at breast height (DBH) ≥ 5 cm were evaluated in seven 25 x 4 m plots randomly distributed. A phytosociological survey was carried out and the ecological groups and the dispersal syndromes of the regenerants were determined. We found 28 species belonging to 12 families, among which Fabacea and Annonaceae stood out. Density was 1,557 regenerants ha-1, and basal area was 23 m2 ha-1. The most important species were Psidium sp; Schefflera macrocarpa (Cham. & Schltdl.) Frodin; Pera  glabrata (Schott) Poepp. ex Baill.; Astronium fraxinifolium Schott & Spreng.; Matayba guianensis Aubl.; and Plathymenia reticulata Benth. We found 35% pioneer, 40% early secondary, 18% late secondary, and 7% climax species, of which 57% are zoochoric, 40% anemochoric, and 3% autochoric. It is concluded that the natural regeneration in the understory studied comprises typical species of the Seasonal Semideciduous Forest of the Atlantic Forest biome, presenting significant density and individuals from all ecological groups.