Piperaceae of the biological reserve of Poço das Antas, Silva Jardim, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Abstract

The taxonomical study of the Piperaceae occurring in the Biological Reserve of Poço das Antas was carried out based on herbarium material, field observations and identification keys, descriptions and geographical distribution of the taxa are presented. Comments about the medicinal relevance, phytochemical data and use are given to some species. For this reserve 27 taxa were analyzed, some of them are poorly collected in the state of Rio de Janeiro, such as Piper translucens, wich was known so far by the type material. In general, the taxa in this area prefer humid and shady places, being also found in devastated areas and completed exposed to the sun.