Ulmaceae, Cannabaceae and Urticaceae of restingas of the state of Rio de Janeiro

Abstract

Restingas are sandy coastal plains with a rich flora and distinct vegetation types. The native Brazilian Ulmaceae, Cannabaceae and Urticaceae include herbs, shrubs and trees from early regeneration stages. Specialized bibliography, herbarium material and field collections were used to describe the species and to determine distribution, habitat and current conservation status of species from the sandy coastal plains of Rio de Janeiro state. There are two genera and two species of Ulmaceae, two genera and four species of Cannabaceae, and four genera and six species of Urticaceae. Eight species occur in the Dry Forest Formation, six in Dense Scrub and one in Swamp Forest. Of these species, seven are threatened with extinction: Ampelocera glabra Kuhlm., Cecropia glaziovi Snethl, Celtis spinosa Spreng., Laportea aestuans (L.) Chew, Phyllostylon brasiliense Capan. ex Benth, Urera aurantiaca Wedd and U. nitida (Vell.) Brack.