Papilionoideae (Leguminosae) in the Atlantic Forest of Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil

Abstract

This study presents a taxonomic account of the Papilionoideae (Leguminosae) from remnants of Atlantic Forest in the Brazilian state of Rio Grande do Norte. We recorded 68 species and 32 genera within the following tribes: Phaseoleae (11 genera/24 species), Dalbergieae (9/20), Swartzieae (3/3), Millettieae (2/4), Sophoreae (2/2), Abreae (1/1), Crotalarieae (1/3), Desmodieae (1/7), Indigofereae (1/3), and Sesbanieae (1/1). Ten genera and 32 species are newly recorded for the flora of Rio Grande do Norte. The most species-rich genera were Desmodium (7 species), Centrosema (5), Stylosanthes (5), Aeschynomene (4), and Macroptilium (4). Herbaceous and shrubby species have predominated with 60% (41 spp.) of the total species diversity, following by the vines and lianas with 28% (19 spp.) and the trees with only 12% (8 spp.). Identification key, descriptions, diagnostic morphological characters, geographic distribution, and illustrations are also provided.