First record of Sclerocarpus africanus Jacq. (Asteraceae, Heliantheae) for South America

Abstract

Sclerocarpus, a genus belonging to subtribe Helianthinae (Asteraceae, Heliantheae), is recognized by the pales surrounding its ovary and sometimes part of the corolla and becoming thickened and hardened at maturity, usually developing tubercles on the surface. The genus comprises eight species from which seven are American mainly distributed in Mexico and Central America. This work provides the first register of the genus for South America, by recording Sclerocarpus africanus in the Bahia state, northeast of Brazil. The results include description and illustration for the species.