Flora of Itaunas State Park, Espirito Santo, Brazil: Cactaceae

Abstract

The present work, which is part of a series of taxonomic monographs, aims to provide useful taxonomic features for distinguishing species of Cactaceae from Itaúnas State Park-Brazil. After performing field expeditions and observations, and analysis of herbaria vouchers, a total of five species of Cactaceae is herein recorded: Brasiliopuntia brasiliensis (Least Concern), Cereus fernambucensis subsp. fernambucensis (Least Concern), Melocactus violaceus subsp. violaceus (Vulnerable), Pereskia aculeata (Least Concern), and Pilosocereus arrabidae (Near Threatened). Leaf (when present) and cladodes morphology, and presence or absence of cephalium are the most useful characters to specific delimitation. Key identification, descriptions, photographs, taxonomic comments, geographic distribution and habitat data are herein provided.