Flora of the canga of the Serra dos Carajás, Pará, Brazil: Piperaceae

Abstract

Aiming to increase the knowledge concerning the canga vegetation of the Serra dos Carajás, a taxonomic treatment of the Piperaceae species was prepared. Thirty species were recorded for the region, of which 20 taxa were found growing on canga substrate (ferruginous rupicolous vegetation). The majority of the species studied belong to Piper (23 species). The first record of P. goeldii for the state of Pará is presented, while the fruit of P. pellitum is described for the first time. Two out of seven Peperomia species studied - P. albopilosa and P. pseudoserratirhachis are described as new. Identification keys, detailed descriptions, geographical distribution and comments for taxa, besides illustrations of those poorly known or that are reported for the first time in the region, are provided.