Abstract
This study addresses the lack of knowledge about the Buritizais of the Western Brazilian Amazon, trying to fill important gaps for the conservation and management of these unique ecosystems. The study was conducted in the Javari-Buriti Area of Relevant Ecological Interest, with the aim of characterizing the forest communities in different phytophysiognomies, identifying species distribution patterns and the factors that influence the abundance of Mauritia flexuosa L.f. A floristic inventory was carried out in areas of várzea alta (T1), várzea alta with transition to buritizal (T2) and buritizal (T3). Phytosociological analysis was carried out and environmental variables (soil and flooding) were related to vegetation composition using statistical tests and Canonical Correspondence Analysis (CCA). 112 species were recorded and there was a significant variation in richness between areas, with T2 having the highest number (84 species) and T3 (Buritizal) the lowest (28 species). The CCA showed an association between floristic composition and environmental characteristics, especially organic matter. The regression tree showed a preference of M. flexuosa for areas with high organic matter and phosphorus. Ordination revealed a clear differentiation in floristic composition between the areas of várzea alta and buritizal, with the marked presence of species such as M. flexuosa and Chromolucuma rubriflora in the buritizal, correlated positively with organic matter and negatively with copper and aluminum. Our results highlight the influence of environmental conditions on the distribution of plant species in the ARIE Javari-Buriti. Understanding these interactions is crucial for guiding conservation and sustainable management strategies in the Amazon.