Abstract

CARDOSO, João et al. Contribuição para o conhecimento das comunidades vegetais de Welwitschia mirabilis (Welwitschiaceae, Gnetophyta) do deserto do Namibe (Angola). RILP [online]. 2019, vol.35, pp.133-149.  Epub July 29, 2021. ISSN 2182-4452.  https://doi.org/10.31492/2184-2043.rilp2018.35/pp.133-149.

Welwitschia mirabilis is an ancient plant with a divergent morphology and ecology from other gymnosperms. It is a symbol and an endemic species of the Namib Desert, the oldest desert on Earth. We studied the floristic structure, the phytosociology and synecology of the plant communities dominated by W. mirabilis in Angolan territory. We conclude that there are 4 distinct communities: (i) a community associated with ephemeral watercourses dominated by Acacia reficiens and Boscia pestalozziana; (ii) a second community, floristically poor, dominated by W. mirabilis, from dry and flat Interfluvial areas with heterometric sediments; (iii) a third community associated with sandy sediments dominated by perennial grasses; (iv) and a community dominated by Commiphora species (Burseraceae), typical of the basal sectors of schist or greywackes residual reliefs (inselbergs).

Keywords : Angola; Gnetophyta; Namib desert; phytosociology; Welwitschia mirabilis.

        · abstract in Portuguese     · text in Portuguese     · Portuguese ( pdf )