Levantamento florístico de herbáceas do Parque Ecológico e Cultural "Gilberto Rüegger Ometto" do município de Araras/SP

Abstract

Urban parks serve as spaces for the community, promoting both physical and mental well-being through their natural elements, which provide ecological characteristics and foster interactions between fauna and flora. Consequently, it is essential to maintain these areas and provide adequate maintenance to ensure the continued provision of these services to the population. Floristic surveys are a methodology of understanding the flora of these locations and providing theoretical support for their conservation. By identifying the vegetation that constitutes the park’s flora, it becomes feasible to develop strategies for the recovery and enrichment of biodiversity and the conservation of the ecosystem. The importance of studying herbaceous plants is multiple, as they serve as food sources, protect the soil from erosion, contribute to forage plants (such as Poaceae and Fabaceae), provide shade during forest regeneration, and contain substances of interest to the pharmaceutical industry. Additionally, they exhibit resilience in disturbed environments. In light of these considerations, this study aimed to contribute to research on herbaceous vegetation in the "Gilberto Rüegger Ometto" Ecological and Cultural Park in the municipality of Araras. The methodology employed for the floristic survey involved sampling vegetation by means of plots, with plots selected based on the presence of reproductive botanical material, followed by herbarium preparation and identification of the specimens. A total of fifteen botanical families were identified among the 36 collected plants, with a predominance of invasive species, one of which is used for medicinal purposes. The study highlighted the need for greater taxonomic efforts regarding herbaceous plants.