Florística do cerradão da Reserva Ambiental British American Tobacco (Souza Cruz), Uberlândia, Minas Gerais

Abstract

This study presents a floristic survey of a cerradão fragment located in the environmental reserve of the British American Tobacco Company, at Uberlândia, Minas Gerais State, Brazil. The Cerrado, although the second largest Brazilian biome and the most biodiverse savanna in the world, has been under strong anthropogenic pressure, especially since the 1960s. The objective of this study is to identify the plant species present in the area, evaluate their floristic composition, and provide data to support conservation and management actions. A total of 119 angiosperm species were recorded, distributed among 97 genera and 44 families, with Fabaceae, Asteraceae, and Malpighiaceae being the most representative. Most of the species have arboreal or shrubby habits, and 98 are typical of the cerradão. The presence of species characteristic of the biome, even in an urban-industrial environment, indicates ecological resilience. However, the high density of climbing and invasive species, such as Leucaena leucocephala, signals ecological imbalances. Therefore, specific management strategies, such as controlling exotic species and selective removal of lianas, are recommended to promote ecological restoration of the area. This study reinforces the importance of urban fragments as biodiversity refuges and highlights the need for ongoing monitoring and conservation actions in the Cerrado.