Flora of Ceará, Brazil: Anacardiaceae

Abstract

This study aimed to carry out a floristic-taxonomic inventory of the species of Anacardiaceae occurring in the state of Ceará, with a view to better understanding the diversity and geographical distribution of its representatives, as part of the “Flora of Ceará: knowing to conserve” Project. The study was based on the analysis of morphological characters of samples obtained in the field, herbarium collections and consultation of specialized bibliographies. In Ceará, Anacardiaceae is represented by 10 species belonging to eight genera: Anacardium (1), Apterokarpos (1), Astronium (2), Schinopisis (1), Schinus (1), Spondias (2), Tapirira (1) and Thyrsodium (1). The species were recorded in different phytophysiognomies, but occur preferentially in drier environments such as the Savanna, Steppic Savanna and Seasonal Deciduous Forest. Astronium urundeuva is the taxon with the highest number of records, occurring in 22 municipalities. Apterokarpos gardneri and Spondias tuberosa are endemic to Brazil, and the first is recorded only in the Northeastern region. Seven species were recorded in nine Conservation Units in Ceará. In identification key, morphological descriptions, comments on geographical distribution, ecology, phenology and uses, maps and illustrations of the species are presented.