1. Pioneer Formations with marine influence (Restinga) 

A big part of the isle is covered by this type of vegetation which shows a big floristic and physiognomic variation. Generally it occurs on sandy substract or stony land tongues of the mountains, and suffers direct influence from the sea.   A great variety of communities is included here, as for example the communities of the beaches, of the dunes, bush vegetation after beach, woody scrub of the coastal lowlands, dry forests, swamp forests. 

2.  Pioneer formations with fluvial influence 

Vegetation communities of alluvial lowlands which reflect the effects of inundation by the rivers during the raining season or depressions which can be inundated all year long. 
This kind of vegetation is found as swamps with herbs and/or trees, situated in the depressions between the littoral belts. 

3. Pioneer formations with fluviomarine influence (Mangrove and Saline meadow) 

These communities are found in saline environment, at the mouth of rivers and rivulets to the sea, where grows an specialized vegetation, adapted to the salinity of the water.   
The biggest areas of mangroves and saline meadows are found on the northwestern part of the island and at Saco do Limeiro. 
 
 

4. Dense ombrophilous forest of the lowlands 

This kind of formation generally occupies the littoral lowlands from Amazon to Rio Grande do Sul. From the state of São Paulo on, southwards, two species are dominant: Calophyllum brasiliense and Ficus organensis.  
On the Ilha do Mel we find this community principally at the lowlands of the northern region. 

5. Dense ombrophilous forest of the lower montane 

The forest formation is generally found at dissections of mountain relief and tablelands with soils of medium profundity. Typically, the trees are of almost the same height. The underwood is composed of natural regeneration plants, palm trees and a great number of lianas. 
The hills Morro do Meio, Morro do Miguel and Morro de Bento Alves, situated at the southeastern part of the island, and the Morro da Baleia, western part of the island, are covered with this kind of forest. All of them suffered from human intervention and exploration.  

6. Secondary Vegetation 

Many areas were deforested, for agricultural use. When they are abandoned, they will be covered by secondary vegetation. 
Depending on the stage of succession (initial, medium, advanced) we can find capoeirinha, capoeira and capoeirão. 
 

In the Ecological station there are found some species threatened by extinction in the state of Paraná. Voyria Aphylla and Calyptrantes rubella are considered rare, and Neomitranthes glomerata is highly threatened by extinction. 
 

More fotos