Floristic and structural composition of secondary native forest remnants in the western Cordillera of the Ecuadorian Andes

Abstract

This study aims to diagnose the floristic and structural composition of the secondary native forest of Jalligua Alto, Cotopaxi province. Seven sampling units were installed, considering the area covered by the secondary forest, at an altitude above 1000 meters above sea level. Indicators of diameter, total height of individuals, species, family, and importance value index (IVI) were used to demonstrate the floristic composition and structure of the vegetation. In this study, a total of 637 individuals belonging to 47 species and corresponding to 30 families were recorded, with Lauraceae being the most diverse, with 6 species, followed by the Meliaceae family, with 4 species. The most abundant species was Cecropia sciadophylla Mart. followed by Croton lechleri and Trema micrantha. However, from an ecological point of view, Guarea trichiloides is the most important species in the area with 29.85 %, due to its dominance (greater basal area). In the study area, 71 timber trees greater than 7.5 cm DBH were recorded, with a basal area of 3.76 m2, a total volume of 79.17 m3, and a commercial volume of 48.15 m3, the highest volume belongs to G. trichiloides, with 24.11 m3 followed by Nectandra sp with 17.32 m3.