Rubiaceae of Serra Negra, Minas Gerais, Brazil

Abstract

As part of the floristic studies of the Serra Negra, located at the southern end of the Minas Gerais in Zona da Mata region and included in the Mantiqueira mountain range, this study of the family Rubiaceae comprises 26 genera and 48 species. The most diverse genus is Psychotria, with 12 species, followed by Borreria (5), Coccocypselum (4), Manettia (3), Margaritopsis (2) and Palicourea (2), while Alseis, Amaioua, Bathysa, Chomelia, Cordiera, Coussarea, Coutarea, Diodia, Emmeorhiza, Faramea, Galianthe, Galium, Guettarda, Hillia, Hindsia, Ladenbergia, Posoqueria, Remijia, Rudgea and Schizocalyx are representaded by a single species each. Psychotria pallens was found for the first time in Minas Gerais, and a new locality for narrow endemic and endangered Hindsia ibitipocensis, known until now only for the Parque Estadual do Ibitipoca. Identification keys, descriptions, illustrations and comments on the taxonomy, ecology and distribution of the species are provided.