Bryophytes of the cloud forest of Pico do Marumbi State Park, Paraná, Brazil

Abstract

Bryophyte diversity in tropical forests is closely related to elevation. A survey was undertaken of the bryoflora of a poorly known cloud forest environment from 1,000 to 1,500 m.a.s. in Pico do Marumbi State Park, state of Paraná,Brazil. The aim was to analyze the geographical range of the bryoflora and significance of this elevational zone to bryophyte diversity. We found 364 bryophyte species, including 187 species of mosses, 175 liverworts and two hornworts. This diversity represents 40% of the bryoflora of Paraná and 24% of that of Brazil. Forty-one Brazilian endemic species were found, representing a highly relevant feature for the preservation of the area. These results emphasize the importance of Pico do Marumbi State Park to the conservation of bryophyte diversity and to understanding the species of the state of Paraná, as well as demonstrating the importance of bryophyte surveys in the Atlantic Forest of Southeast Brazil.