Bryophytes from the “Alto da Serra de Paranapiacaba” Biological Reserve, São Paulo - Brazil

Abstract

Abstract The “Alto da Serra de Paranapiacaba” Biological Reserve (RBASP) was created in 1909 and was the first protected area in the category of Biological Reserve in South America. We conducted samplings in large uncollected areas, considering different phyto-physiognomies, and reviewed all the bryophyte material deposited in the SP herbarium. We identified 423 species, representing the three divisions: 217 corresponding to liverworts, 203 to mosses, and three to hornworts. The Lejeuneaceae family presented the highest richness (97 species). Within the mosses, Sematophyllaceae stood out with 22 species, and hornworts were represented by three species. We recorded 46 species for the first time in the state of São Paulo. Fifty species are endemic to Brazil, of which 35 are restricted to the Atlantic Forest. Field collections yielded 78 new records for the Reserve. Our study of bryophytes is the most extensive for the locality in over a century. Therefore, the data presented here can serve as a basis for future taxonomic and ecological research on bryophytes in the Reserve.

Keywords

• Atlantic Forest
• floristic survey
• liverworts
• long-term sampling
• moss