Flora of the Usina São José, Igarassu, Pernambuco: Cucurbitaceae

Abstract

Cucurbitaceae inhabit predominantly tropical and subtropical regions with ca. 950 species. It is a family of great importance for the global economy because of its uses as food and its high potential in biosprospecting. In Brazil, its diversity is still poorly understood and it is seldom mentioned in most floristic inventories. Indeed, this is the first taxonomic study of the family for northeastern Brazil. Ten species in six genera were recorded in the study area: Cayaponia tayuya, Gurania aff. bignoniacea, G. bignoniacea, G. lobata, G. subumbellata, Luffa cillyndrica, Melothria pendula, Momordica charantia, Psiguria ternata and P. triphylla. The taxonomic treatment includes identification keys, descriptions, illustrations and comments for each taxon.