Contribuição ao estudo da Caatinga Pernambucana

Abstract

            In this paper, the author states the vegetation found in the State of Pernambuco is divided in four different belts the vegetation of the littoral, the forest, the "agreste" and the "caatinga", and tries o divide he has group in sub-groups.

            Initially, the author comments the terms "agreste" and "sertão", considering the last improper to designate a type of vegetation. He, then, describes, in a succinct way, the "caatinga" stating that this type of vegetation is chiefly characterized by the total loss of the leaves during the dry season, he small size of he leaves, the abundance of branches in the trees and occurrence of species with evident xeromorphic properties (cactaceas, bromelias, etc.).             The author distinguishes the following types for the "caatinga" found in the State of Pernambuco:

            I - Dry and "grouped" "caatinga": characterized by the disposition of the vegetation in groups or patches with clear spaces in between. These groups or patches are formed by shrubs and cactaceous, no trees occurring. This type of vegetation appears along the margin of the São Francisco River.

            II - Dry and "sparse" "caatinga": instead of groups, isolated elements, predominantly the species 'Aspidosperma pirifolium" which attains the size of shrubs. This type of  vegetation appears at the "'Município" (County) of Jatinã.

            III - Shruby "caatinga", dense: in this group shrubs still predominate but the vegetation is quite dense. Trees are scarce.

            This type is widespread in the region between the bottom of the slopes of the ranges which appear to the north of the State and the valley of the São Francisco River, properly said. It is the most common type of vegetation found in the State.

            IV - "Caatinga" of the ranges: every time there is an increase in altitude, the higher humidity causes a development of the formation which becomes enriched by trees.

            V- "Caatinga" of the Chapadão de Moxotó: it is a special type of "caatinga" which occurs in the "chapadão", which is extremely sandy and permeable. It is characterized by the large number of colunnar cactaceous dominating a shruby type of vegetation.

            The author, then refers to the necessity of more detailed studies aiming a practical application to the economic revival of the region under consideration.