Epífitas vasculares da Serra de Baturité, Ceará, Nordeste do Brasil

Abstract

The Baturité Massif, which is surrounded by the Caatinga, is one of the largest remnants of the semi-arid Atlantic Forest, being considered a region with rich biodiversity. As part of the "Flora of Ceará: knowing to conserve" project, this study aimed to survey the vascular epiphytes of the Baturité Massif in Ceará state. The study was based on the analysis of specimens from herbaria ALCB, CEPEC, EAC, HUEFS, HVASF, IPA, JPB, MO, R, RB, S, SP, UFP, UNB and US, specialized bibliography, as well as photos from type-collections. In the Baturité Massif 62 species distributed in seven families (Araceae, Bromeliaceae, Cactaceae, Gesneriaceae, Orchidaceae, Piperaceae and Rubiaceae) were registered. Orchidaceae had the highest number of representatives (58%). The species Gomesa praetexta, Polystachya concreta and Trichocentrum cepula are new occurrences. Epidendrum anatipedium, E. sanchezii and Guzmania monostachia are endemic to Northeast Brazil. Vriesea baturitensis and V. carmeniae are endemic to the state of Ceará. Therefore, the Baturité Massif is an important area for biodiversity conservation.