**3.1.4 Montane formation**

The forest communities distributed over the intermediate slopes of the mountain ranges at elevations above the Submontane limits are classified as Montane formations. According to Roderjan et al. (2002) and Blum (2006), in the state of Paraná these communities are situated between 600 and 1200 m a.s.l..

It is noteworthy that the upper limit is also variable depending on specific soil and climate and, in many cases, the Upper Montane formation can already occur below 1200 m a.s.l. (Pires et al., 2005). Floristic differences are observable in relation to the lower level, but structurally and physiognomic, the Montane and Submontane formations are similar (Roderjan et al., 2002; Pires et al., 2005). Cambisols (with no textural gradient) and Entisols are very common in the Montane belt (Schorn, 1992; Roderjan, 1994, Blum, 2006).

The main environmental factors that affect the differentiation between the Montane and Submontane formations (Lower Montane Forests) are the climate, the topography and the soils. In the Montane Atlantic Forest it can occur occasional frosts, which are extremely limiting for many typical species of Submontane formation, that are subject to milder climate. It should be noted that the geomorphological differences result in distinct pedologies. The Montane terrains are steep and dissected while the Submontane sites are usually understated (Roderjan et al., 2002; Pires et al., 2005; Blum, 2006; 2010).

The canopy of the Montane Dense Rainforest is regular, varying about 20-25 m height. Several species of Lauraceae dominate in the upper strata, especially *Ocotea catharinensis*, *Ocotea odorifera, Ocotea bicolor* and *Cryptocarya aschersoniana. Aspidosperma pyricollum, Pouteria torta*, *Cabralea canjerana, Sloanea lasiocoma, Guapira opositta, Ilex paraguariensis* and *Guatteria australis* are also relevant. The lower strata are characterized by Myrtaceae, Rubiaceae and Monimiaceae families. Ferns (tree ferns) such as *Cyathea phalerata* and another species of Cyatheaceae are common in the understory (IBGE, 1992; Roderjan, 1994; Blum et al., 2001; Roderjan et al., 2002; Pires et al., 2005; Blum, 2006).
