A floristic study of aquatic macrophyte communities in the streams of Serra Grande – Cantá, Roraima

• DOI: https://doi.org/10.22533/at.ed.18136126200114

• Palavras-chave: Hydrophiles, Survey, Amazonia.

• Keywords: Hydrophiles, Survey, Amazonia.

• Abstract:

  Studies conducted in the Amazon region highlight the high productivity and functional diversity of aquatic macrophytes; however, specific research in Roraima remains relatively scarce. Research conducted in the municipality of Cantá (RR), in the streams of Serra Grande, recorded the occurrence of species distributed across different life forms, with a notable predominance of fixed and free-floating aquatic macrophytes. The methodological approach involved fieldwork, herbarium preparation, and taxonomic identification based on specialized literature. A comparison of the results with previous surveys conducted in the state reveals both similarities and differences in floristic composition, attributable to environmental heterogeneity, the type of environment—lotic or lentic—, the degree of anthropogenic influence, and the high ecological plasticity exhibited by various species. These analyses reinforce that aquatic vegetation in Roraima exhibits broad spatial and ecological variability, reflecting the inherent complexity of Amazonian ecosystems. The results also highlight the ecological importance of macrophytes, which play essential roles in nutrient cycling, habitat provision, and water quality maintenance. In light of this, the need for continued systematic monitoring and comparative studies is highlighted, in order to expand knowledge about the regional aquatic flora and inform strategies for the management and conservation of water resources and associated biodiversity.