Distribution and growth of Garcinia brasiliensis mart. and Hevea spruceana mull. arg. em uma floresta inundavel em manaus, Amazonas

This study assessed the distribution and growth of two tree species in a seasonal mixed-water inundation forest near the city of Manaus, and determined the annual growth rates and ages of trees. The aboveground wood biomass was estimated for each population. Eight plots of 25 x 25 m were established, where all individuals of the species Garcinia brasiliensis and Hevea spruceana with heights > 1.0 m were inventoried and mapped. The levels of inundation were measured on all individuals, while the relative photosynthetically active radiation (rPAR) was measured in individuals < 10 cm diameter at breast height (dbh). For each individual, the basal area was determined, and the tree volume estimated. Tree ages and the radial increment rate were determined by using dendrochronological methods. In total, 105 individuals were recorded. In both populations, most individuals presented dbh smaller than 10 cm. Hevea spruceana presented more individuals (n = 80), and higher rates of radial increment, while Garcinia brasiliensis (n = 25) presented higher mean age. The duration and height of inundation and the levels of rPAR were different for each population. It was detected significant correlations between dbh and tree heights, and between dbh and tree age. The micro-topographical variations appear to exert effects on the structure population and on the distribution of the studied species. Despite the low rPAR values and variations recorded within the study site, the different light requirements in each species suggest different ecological niches. Keywords: flooded forest; radial increment; photosynthetically active radiation. Este estudo descreve a distribuicao e determina a taxa anual de crescimento e a idade das arvores de Garcinia brasiliensis e de Hevea spruceana em uma floresta inundavel na regiao de Manaus. Oito parcelas contiguas de 25 x 25 metros foram instaladas, onde todos os individuos das duas especies com altura ≥ 1,0 m foram mapeados. O diametro, a altura das arvores e os niveis de inundacao foram registrados para todos os individuos. A radiacao fotossinteticamente ativa (RFA) foi medida em individuos da regeneracao (< 10 cm diametro a altura do peito -dap). Foram calculadas a area basal e o volume para cada individuo, e determinados o padrao de crescimento e a idade das arvores utilizando metodos dendrocronologicos. Um total de 105 individuos foi amostrado, a maioria na classe de regeneracao. Hevea spruceana apresentou o maior numero de individuos (n = 8