Distribution patterns, endemism, richness and diversity of Convolvulaceae in the Espinhaço Range, Brazil

Abstract

The Espinhaço Range is known for its unique plant diversity and richness of endemic species. We identified the distribution patterns, areas of endemism, floristic similarity, and the areas of richness and diversity of Convolvulaceae within the Espinhaço Range by analyzing a database of approximately 2600 occurrence records. One hundred and eighty-four taxa were categorized into one of four distribution patterns: continuous, disjunct, centered in the Bahia sector, and centered in the Minas Gerais sector. Nineteen Convolvulaceae species are endemic to Espinhaço Range. Endemic species had all of the different distribution patterns. Parsimony analysis of endemism indicated two main centers of endemism for the family: one in the Minas Gerais sector, on the Diamantina Plateau, and another in the Bahia sector, in the Chapada Diamantina. The floristic similarity, richness, and diversity analyses evidenced a principal group in each portion, mainly concentrated in the Chapada Diamantina, and secondarily in the Iron Quadrangle.Such studies are important both for understanding biodiversity and for decision-making in public conservation policies.

Distribution pattern in the rupiculous genus Orthophytum (Bromelioideae/Bromeliaceae) reveals high microendemicity in different types of rocky outcrops

“…Echternacht et al (2011) observed that the species that occur in the northern section of Espinhaço Range in Minas Gerais (corresponding to SER of our study) occur in lowlands with contrasting climatic and edaphic conditions that could represent barriers to many endemic mountain plants. These lowlands were also reported as probable geographic barriers for Harley (1988), Rando &Buril (2022) in the dispersal of many mountain species and this could help to explain the distribution of the Orthophytum species that occur in SER and NER.…”