The role of Baccharis (Asteraceae) shrubs in the short-term restoration of Atlantic rainforest

The introduction of nurse species on degraded sites Permanently Protected Areas represents a useful strategy for vegetation recovery in riparian forest. Species the genus Baccharis (Asteraceae) have been documented as potential plants being able restructuring native plant community. This study was aimed to evaluate nursing role dracunculifolia community Atlantic rainforest short-time period. developed two abandoned pasture areas forest River Piranga basin, one which B. planted (Restored treatment) promote restoration, and second area with no intervention (Degraded = Control treatment). Sampling took place 18 months after planting dracunculifolia. We set up 20 plots 2 × m each treatment type (n 40 plots), where all were recorded (with exception introduced individuals grasses), classifying them native, ruderal, or alien. Plant richness twice higher Restored than Degraded treatment. Furthermore, observed values alpha, gamma beta diversity also had 17 exclusive species, while only three non-exclusive species. In addition, fewer ruderal alien restored compared plots. concluded that, even short time period, positive effect promoting assembly possibly decreasing chances invasion by