Autoecology and individual tree modeling of Eugenia involucrata DC. in an Araucaria forest

Understanding how a particular species grows and factors that affect its growth are relevant in ecological studies, especially when one intends to manage a particular species. Thus, this research aimed to evaluate the spatial distribution, phytosociology dynamics and competition of E. involucrata, to characterize floristic composition and phytosociology of the associated community and to observe relationship between species growth and competition in order to propose and validate diameter growth models for the species. This research was developed at Irati National Forest, Parana state in 25ha permanent plots, with inventory data from 2002 to 2017. To characterize the specie, the spatial distribution, phytosociology, and dynamics (increment, mortality and ingress) data were evaluated. Characterization of associated community was carried out in 111 plots of 100m², evaluating floristic composition, phytosociology, and competition, and later, growth models were proposed at individual trees level. The species showed aggregate spatial distribution, slow growth diameter, and an ingress rate greater than the mortality rate. The species most associated with E. involucrata were Araucaria angustifolia, Ilex paraguariensis and Ocotea odorifera. E. involucrata trees in smaller DBH classes (10 to 20cm), suffered more competition from associated community. Variables initial DBH and initial cross-sectional area were most correlated with final diameter, and these were variables that had best fit for diameter growth models for individual trees. This research provides relevant information about ecology of this species and its associated communities very useful for future research for the species.