Composição florística e estrutura de quintais urbanos no bairro de Canudos, Belém, Pará

Abstract

Urban backyards are spaces surrounding residences that are related to the traditions and life history of the residents, and they are composed of a diversity of species (fruit trees, ornamental plants, medicinal plants, among others). Therefore, the objective of this study was to evaluate the structure and floristic composition of urban backyards in the Canudos neighborhood of Belém, Pará. Twenty backyards were evaluated, selected using a convenience sampling method, taking into account access, availability, and resident authorization. A survey of plant species was conducted, and botanical identification was performed in situ. Phytosociological parameters such as Frequency, Density, and Modified Importance Value Index (IVIM) were calculated to estimate the horizontal structure, in addition to the diversity and richness present in the backyards, using the Shannon-Wiener Index (H’) and Pielou's Evenness Index (J). A total of 170 plant species were recorded, distributed among 67 botanical families. Regarding species richness, the Araceae family was the most representative with 17 species, as well as the most abundant (108 individuals counted). The most common species found in urban backyards were Dracaena trifasciata (Prain) Mabb. (Snake plant) with a relative frequency of (4.34%), followed by Dieffenbachia seguine (Jacq.) Schott (Dumb Cane) with (4.34%) and the species Chrysalidocarpus lutescens H.Wendl. (Areca Palm) with (3.52%). The most expressive life habit was that of herbs, presenting about 40% presence. The average Shannon index (H’) was 2.61 and the average Pielou's evenness (J) was 0.92. The average number of species richness was 19 per backyard, demonstrating significant floristic diversity in the backyards analyzed in the Canudos neighborhood of Belém, Pará.