Floristic characterisation of forest patches in the vicinity of cocoa plots in the Dominican Republic

Little is known about the structure and composition of forest patches as a base for understanding the ecology and ecosystems services provided to neighbouring crops, so agronomic management and the landscapes surrounding the plantations may affect the abundance and effectiveness of cacao pollinators and thus the value and quality of those crops. This study sought to identify and characterise forest patches situated near cocoa fields in order to construct a gradient in the landscape of two cocoa localities Medina: (San Cristóbal province), and Los Bracitos adjacent to the Loma Quita Espuela Reserve (Duarte province). Three forest patches per locality were located, geo-referenced and characterised and within patch four 10 m2 plots were identified for floristic surveys and trunk measurements of tree and shrub species with a minimum thickness of 5 cm. The species found were identified both in the field and at the herbarium. Species were categorised according to their family, scientific and common names, mean relative presence, biological type, and their biogeographic and conservation statuses. In order to compare floristic biodiversity among the six forest patches, biodiversity indicators of species dominance (Simpson's index), species heterogeneity (Shannon), richness (Chao 1), and similarity (Jaccard) were calculated. In San Cristóbal province comprising both riparian and secondary forests, 49 families were found in the 12 plots sampled, represented by 105 species, mostly arboreal (38.1%) shrub (27.6%), herbs (15.2%), and climbing plants/vines (10.5%); trunk diameters at breast height of 5 - 70 cm and heights from 1 - 25 m. The most abundant families are Myrtaceae, Bromeliaceae, Fabaceae, Mimosaceae and Sapindaceae. In Duarte province in a secondary forest as part of a buffer area of the scientific reserve, 34 families represented by 66 species were recorded, most of which are arboreal (48.5%), and shrubby, herbal and climbing life forms (each 13.6%); trunk diameters of 5 - 68 cm and heights from 5 - 32 m. The most abundant families are Fabaceae, Poaceae, Myrtaceae, Melinaceae and Mimosaceae.