COMPOSIÇÃO FLORÍSTICA DE UMA ÁREA DE CERRADO SENSU STRICTO NO MUNICÍPIO DE SENADOR MODESTINO GONÇALVES, VALE DO JEQUITINHONHA (MG) E ANÁLISE DE SIMILARIDADE FLORÍSTICA DE ALGUMAS ÁREAS DE CERRADO EM MINAS GERAIS 1

Studies on factors influencing species distribution are necessary because of the accelerated agricultural advancement over these species. Thus, this study aimed to assess Senador Modestino Gonçalves floristic composition and possible cerrado floristic connections in Minas Gerais. Twenty-eight areas were assessed for floristic similarity, including Senador Modestino Gonçalves. Sfrensen index was used in comparative analyses. Floristic analysis identified 91 species, 65 genera and 38 families. Greater richness was represented by Leguminosae (13), Malpighiaceae (11), Myrtaceae (7), Vochysiaceae (4), Sapindaceae (4), and Rubiaceae (4). A strong floristic similarity was found in cerrado vegetation, with six groups being formed with superior similarities for 0.5. However, the factors influencing this distribution could not be verified, but geographical proximity and altitude seem to have a strong influence on some of these groups.