Current knowledge of ferns and lycophytes in Sergipe state, northeastern Brazil

Abstract

Brazil has one of the greatest diversity of ferns and lycophytes in the world, especially in its humid forests. The knowledge about these plants in the 27 federative units is uneven and can potentially hamper conservation actions aimed at them. In the state of Sergipe, collections of these groups have been sporadic and about 50 species have been cataloged so far, a low number when compared to other states. This study aimed to compile the species of ferns and lycophytes occurring in Sergipe based on herbaria materials and recent samples collected. Therefore, specimens from herbaria were accessed, together with online databases, as well as 13 botanical expeditions were carried out in three areas. Our study recorded of 20 families, 44 genera and 86 species (75 ferns and 11 lycophytes), with eight new records for the state. The most representative families were Pteridaceae (21 spp.), Polypodiaceae (12), Anemiaceae (nine) and Selaginellaceae (eight). The genera Adiantum L. (eight spp.), Anemia Sw. (nine spp.) and Selaginella P.Beauv. (eight spp.) had the highest number of species. The study shows that efforts like these are extremely necessary and may eventually indicate the extent to which the richness of ferns and lycophytes in Sergipe is underestimated, also promoting researches in this area of Botany.