Morphometry of Araucaria angustifolia at different altitudes in Southern Brazil

Abstract

Morphometric indices can be used to support the understanding of natural forest dynamics. The aim of this study was to describe and evaluate the morphometric and dendrometric characteristics of Araucaria angustifolia, to understanding of the structure of natural Araucaria Forest. The data were obtained in three counties of Santa Catarina State, considering different altitudes of occurrence of the species. We sampled 247 trees, using the Bitterlich method, and we measured the circumferences at 1.30 m from the ground, total height and crown insertion height and crown radius. The trees interdimensional relationships were described through morphometric indices. Site 2 showed larger trees considering crown area diameter. Site 3 had the highest tree density (403 trees ha^-1), while sites 1 and 2 showed 362 and 232 trees ha^-1, respectively. At site 3, most trees presented crown ratio greater than 50% and crown fullness ratio lower than 1, indicating trees with narrower and larger crowns. The tree diameter showed a negative correlation, higher than 70% with the degree of slenderness. The diameter presented a positive correlation with the crown diameter in the three sites.