Flora do Rio Grande do Norte: Araceae

Abstract

Araceae belongs to the group of angiosperms, monocotyledons, Alismatales order, and is represented by 144 genera and about 3.645 species. It is distributed throughout the Brazilian territory, totaling 47 genera and 519 species in the different biomes. However, studies point to gaps in the knowledge of species not yet recorded or identified in neotropical regions, such as the Northeastern Brazil, including the state of Rio Grande do Norte (RN). Rio Grande do Norte Flora is partially known, still lacking a taxonomic treatment and studies on potential uses for Araceae, which is recognized by presenting species of economic and ecological interest, used in horticulture, food, and with medicinal applications. Thus, the objective of this work is to describe the Araceae of Rio Grande do Norte, as well as to analyze the diversity of the family, its ornamental potential and expand the information on its distribution and conservation. Specimens deposited at the UFRN, RN and MOSS collections were analyzed, in addition to consultations to virtual herbaria. Twenty-two species distributed in twelve genera were recorded. The genera with the highest number of species were: Anthurium (4 spp. or 18%), Philodendron (4 spp. or 18%), followed by Lemna (3 spp. or 14%), Montrichardia and Taccarum (2 spp. or 9% each). The other genera are represented by one species each. Eleven new occurrences (50% of the total) were recorded for the flora of the state, of which two (~10%) belong to genera Colocasia and Monstera being recorded for the first time. This work presents photographic plates, identification keys, taxonomic comments, geographic distribution of genera and species, distributional maps and descriptions of each species.