Ferns and lycophytes from a forest associated with quartzite fragments in southern Espí­rito Santo state, Brazil

Abstract

This study presents a checklist of ferns and lycophytes from a forest associated with quartzitic rocky outcrops in southern Espí­rito Santo state, Brazil. We recorded 52 species and one hybrid (six lycophytes and 47 ferns) belonging to 15 families and 30 genera. Polypodiaceae, Blechnaceae, Cyatheaceae, and Selaginellaceae are the main representative families. Selaginella, Cyathea, Serpocaulon, and Trichomanes are the main representative genera. Most species are terrestrial (34.6%) and lithophytes (32.6%); epiphytes (14.4%) and species with more than one habit (19%) are scarce. We did not record any hemiepiphytic or scandent species. The region is subject to an intense quartzite mining activity, which poses serious threats to the local biodiversity. Morro Branco (Morro de Sal) was recently the site of new taxonomic discoveries in ferns (Oleandra quartziticola) and angiosperms (Paepalanthus capixaba), demonstrating the biological relevance of forest fragments associated with quartzitic rocky outcrops in Espí­rito Santo, and reinforcing the need for the effective protection of these areas.