Functional attributes of four woody species sampled in cerradão

Abstract

The Cerrado is one of Brazil's main biomes and is located predominantly on the Central Plateau. This biome has a great diversity of phytophysiognomies, including the cerradão. The functional attributes of plants are characteristics directly linked to the capture and efficient use of resources, and are relevant to bioprospecting and the development of sustainable agricultural technologies. This study aimed to characterize and analyse the functional attributes of four woody species found in cerradão, namely: Bowdichia virgilioides, Copaifera langsdorffii, Byrsonima pachyphylla and Byrsonima coccolobifolia. Ten individuals per species were sampled, with morphological and anatomical data collected from leaves and stems. The results indicated low intraspecific variation for most of the attributes analyzed. All the species showed scleromorphic characteristics (thick cuticle, high stomata density and presence of sclerenchyma) typical of environments with high radiation and low water availability. Some species showed specific anatomical structures, such as hypodermis and calcium oxalate crystals, suggesting different ecological strategies for defense and water conservation. The evidence points to the adoption of mixed strategies, combining traits of forest and savannah species, which is consistent with the ecological character of the cerradão. The data obtained reinforces the importance of functional studies for conservation and management.