The Final Stages of Vegetal Dynamics in the Lesser Antilles (A Few Theories)

In the Lesser Antilles, from the 17th century takeover up to the present day, mankind has altered the natural environment with frequent and intense distinguished methods. Todays vegetation is resolved in a phytocenotic complex in which shrub, pre-forest and young secondary forest cover dominates. At present, there are few examples of mature sylva, and they are often located in zones which are unsuitable for societal development. Thanks to these (mature sylva) we have been able to outline the main traits of the climax, or climax community, that we have called structural peak. The latter would represent optimal ecosystemic evolution. In this review article, in the light of data analysis from previous and recent floristic studies, the spatial heterogeneities and complexities of the final stages of vegetation evolution have been described.