ABSTRACT
The Iron Quadrangle (Quadrilátero Ferrífero) is a unique Pre-Cambrian structure between latitude 19°50′–20°30′ S and longitude 43°05′–44°30′ W (area ca. 7,000 km2). Apart from its mineral riches and its quality as a major iron, gold and gem producer, the relatively high morphological position moderates the tropical climate and allows for dense savanna (Cerrado) and Atlantic forests (Mata Atlântica) – wherever deforestation has not altered the landscape. Together, these two biomes account for more than 4,000 endemic plant species (Câmara and Murta 2007; Drummond et al. 2005; Gottsberger and Silberbauer-Gottsberger 2006). Sufficient precipitation sustains these biomes as well as agriculture and cattle breeding, and feeds the Doce and das Velhas rivers, two of the most important hydrological basins of Minas Gerais.
