Evolution of passive restoration in abandoned banana plantations: an ecological and spatial analysis

The present paper analyzes the evolution of natural regeneration in two areas with abandoned banana groves, located Atlantic Forest region Vale do Ribeira - São Paulo. With 7ha each, have plantations different periods: 8 years (Area 1) and 4 2). regenerating individuals were inventoried identified, species classified according to dispersion syndrome successional group, Shannon, Pielou Simpson's Equalibility indexes calculated. Geostatistics was applied characterize spatial behavior floristic attributes studied. In total, 4361 inventoried, belonging 32 families 81 species. most abundant family Fabaceae (20% total inventoried). Area 1, 2455 (4721 ind.ha-1) distributed botanical registered. 2, 1906 (3592 ind. ha-1), 23 52 Shannon H' index 1 (H= 3.326 nat.ind-1) 2 (H=2.72 nat.ind-1). results show that is taking place both areas, groves can, over time, become forests.