Flora of Ceará, Brazil: Vochysiaceae

Abstract

Abstract As part of the “Flora of Ceará: Knowing to Conserve” project, this study aimed to contribute to the knowledge of the diversity and distribution of Vochysiaceae species in the state of Ceará. The identifications, descriptions, comments on ecology and distribution, illustrations and distribution maps of the taxa were based on the analysis of samples obtained in the field, in collections deposited in herbaria, and specialized bibliographies. Eight species of Vochysiaceae belonging to four genera occur in Ceará: Callisthene (2), Qualea (2), Salvertia (1), and Vochysia (3). The species were recorded in 41 municipalities. Callisthene fasciculata and Qualea parviflora were the species with the most collection records. The species inhabit different phytoecological units in Ceará and were recorded mainly in the Dense Ombrophilous Forest (Mata úmida), Steppic Savanna (Caatinga/Carrasco), and Neotropical Savanna and Neotropical Savanna (Cerrado). Seven species occur in five different Conservation Areas. Vochysia oppugnata is a new occurrence for the state of Ceará and was recorded in Dense Ombrophilous Forest.

Keywords

• diversity
• Myrtales
• northeastern Brazil
• semiarid