VASCULAR FLORA CHECKLIST OF THE IBICATU ECOLOGICAL STATION, PIRACICABA, SÃO PAULO, BRAZIL

Abstract

Small forest fragments are recognized as relevant for the preservation of the São Paulo State Semideciduous Seasonal Forest. Our research presents an updated checklist of the vascular flora of the small fragment of legally protected forest, located in the São Paulo State countryside, known as Ibicatu Ecological Station, with the main goal of discussing its importance for local and regional biodiversity conservation. We used the walking method, for a qualitative floristic survey, and botanical material was collected in reproductive and vegetative state. We sampled 187 species typical of the semideciduous seasonal forest, distributed in different eight life forms, with predominance of non-woody life forms, especially herbs and epiphytes. We identified 11 endangered species, including Peperomia hydrocotyloides, considered extinct from the São Paulo State, and some exotic and invasive species. We consider that this small forest fragment present rich vascular flora typical of the São Paulo countryside, in different life forms, and it is essential for local and regional biodiversity. This study added 102 species to the previously published checklist, emphasizing the importance of floristic surveys that include all life forms.

Keywords

• Atlantic Forest
• conservation
• Seasonal Semideciduous Forest