Floristics and characterization of the ferrugineous rocky grasslands at Serra da Calçada, Minas Gerais state, Brazil

Abstract

Ferrugineous rocky grasslands are a peculiar environment frequently found at the Quadrilátero Ferrifero region, Minas Gerais State. The vegetation, associated to hematitic outcrops, presents physiological and morphological adaptations, as well as high levels of endemism. A floristic survey, restricted to phanerogames, and a descriptive characterization of the ferrugineous rocky grasslands of Serra da Calçada are presented. Studies of specimens collected from July 2001 and August 2002 were complemented by exame of collections deposited at BHCB Herbarium. A total of 358 species distributed in 70 families were registred. The richest families were Poaceae (43 spp.), Asteraceae (42 spp.), Fabaceae and Myrtaceae (21 spp. each), Melastomataceae and Orchidaceae (18 spp. each). Most of the species (210 spp.) occur on grassy fields (or canga nodular), while 153 occur on rocky fields (or canga couraçada), 93 on forest islands and 47 on anthropized areas. Ferrugineus grasslands is under threatened due to mining exploration and urban development, therefore urgent conservation measures are essential to protect threatened plant species.