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

Abstract

The study characterized forest patches near cocoa plantations in two Dominican localities—Medina (San Cristóbal) and Los Bracitos (Duarte, adjacent to the Loma Quita Espuela Reserve)—to assess their structure, floristic composition, and potential role in supporting cacao pollinators. Three patches per locality were surveyed using 10 m² plots to record tree and shrub species with a minimum diameter of 5 cm. In San Cristóbal, 105 species from 49 families were identified, dominated by Myrtaceae, Bromeliaceae, Fabaceae, Mimosaceae, and Sapindaceae. In Duarte, 66 species from 34 families were recorded, mainly from Fabaceae, Poaceae, Myrtaceae, Melinaceae, and Mimosaceae. Differences in composition and diversity between riparian and secondary forests highlight the ecological importance of these patches for maintaining biodiversity and ecosystem services that benefit cocoa agroecosystems.