Melastomataceae na Área de Proteção Ambiental Mestre Álvaro, Serra, Espírito Santo, Brasil

Abstract

Melastomataceae is the sixth largest family of angiosperms in term of species numbers in Brazil and the seventh largest in Espírito Santo. However, there are only few studies on this family in the state. The aim of this study was to conduct a floristic and taxonomic inventory of the Melastomataceae in the Área de Proteção Ambiental Mestre Álvaro (APAMA), in the municipality Serra, in the Metropolitan Region of Vitória. This area is an important remnant of Atlantic Forest in advanced stages of regeneration. Field expeditions were conducted in 2012-2014. In addition to the collected material, we analysed specimens from the herbaria VIES, MBML and SP. Melastomataceae is represented by 26 species and 10 genera in APAMA, an increase of 22 species compared to the UC's Management Plan, the only floral inventory for the area. Behuria mestrealvarensis (endemic to APAMA), Bertolonia ruschiana and Leandra triantha (endemic to Espírito Santo) are considered threatened of extinction. The Montane Rain Forest is the richest vegetation type in the area: 22 species of Melastomataceae were found here, 18 of which are exclusive to this vegetation. Identification keys, descriptions, illustrations, comments on geographic distribution, and conservation status are provided.