Contribution to the Knowledge of the Lesser Antilles Flora: Study of the Case-Navire, Naturalistic Area of Ecological Fauna and Flora Interest (Martinique)

Abstract : The complexity of the Lesser Antilles vegetation must be linked to the variety of topographic features that influence the structure of some climatic parameters, particularly the rainfall. The above mentioned environmental factors influence a plurality of biotopes colonized by specific phytocenoses. Using survey transects of different minimal areas, we highlighted the specific, biocenotic, structural and architectural heterogeneity of the survey stations. This spatio-temporal differentiation of plant groupings is strongly guided by the activities of the successive human societies. These elements show that the anthropized vegetation of the Lesser Antilles represents a true laboratory for the study of plant succession using the synchronic approach.