ERIOCAULON L. from Brazil: An annotated checklist and taxonomic novelties

Abstract

Eriocaulon is an aquatic and cosmopolitan genus with 478 species. It is characterized by diplostemonous flowers and free petals with a black gland at the apex. There are few taxonomists studying Eriocaulon from Brazil. The species of this genus remain barely delimited, with inconsistent descriptions, and nomenclatural types not assigned or located. The analysis of nomenclatural types, specimens in scientific collections, and protologues enabled the recognition of 53 species of Eriocaulon from Brazil. Thirteen new synonyms and the elevation of five varietes to species level are proposed. Comments on taxonomy, geographic distribution, habitat, life form, and conservation category are provided.