Composición y diversidad florística de tres bosques húmedos tropicales de edades diferentes, en El Jardín Botánico del Pacífico, municipio de Bahía Solano, Chocó, Colombia

Objective : We characterized floristic composition of three tropical rain forests of 12, 30 and 40 years, located in the Botanical Garden of the Pacific (BGP). Methodology : For this purpose, were established three temporary sample plots (TSP) of 20 x 50 m. In each TSP, we registered individuals with diameter greater than or equal to 2.5 cm (measured in an area of 25, 100 and 1000 m 2 ). Was calculated forest di- versity [Shannon-Wiener (H ‘)], species dominance [Simpson index (SI)] and importance value index (IVI) by family and species. Results : We registered 552 individuals, distributed in 32 families, 66 genera, and 83 species. We obtained diversity values 3, 3,28 and 3,24 (for forests of 12, 30 and 40 years respectively). The most dominant species in the study area are Belotia panamensis, Jacaranda copaia, Apeiba aspera and Pouruma chocoana . The Pouruma chocoana and Belotia panamensis species are the most IVI throu- ghout the study area, while each of the families was more IVI Bignoniaceae, Moraceae, Malvaceae and Arecaceae. Conclusions : According to the results, it is concluded that, forests studied are fairly different, ruling out a possible correlation between the diversity of these and age. In the same way, it is seen that the forests studied are characterized by high species richness (standing out among these to members of the families Arecaceae and Moraceae).