Lacandonia brasiliana A. Melo & M. Alves (Triuridaceae), New Occurrence for the State of Ceará, Brazil

Abstract

The Triuridaceae family is composed of saprophytic plants, chlorophylls, usually unbranched stems, leaves in alternate scales, bisexual or unisex racemous inflorescence, follicle or achene fruits. The species Lacandonia brasiliana A. Melo & M. Alves was described as a new species at the beginning of this decade through its first occurrence in the state of Paraíba, Brazil and South America. The objective was to report the first occurrence of the species Lacandonia brasiliana to Ceará State, the second occurrence for Brazil and South America, contributing to the knowledge of its distribution. The species was collected through expeditions in Cerrado fragments, in the municipality of Viçosa do Ceará-CE, during May/2019, which had fertile structures for later taxonomic identification. The collected material was herborized and later deposited in the Herbarium Prisco Bezerra (EAC) of the Federal University of Ceará. Identification was based on identification keys, specialized bibliography, expert consultation, comparison with herbarium and standard specimens. The species is presented with description, taxonomic and ecological comments, distribution data and images. It is a small, non-branched, mycro-heterotrophous species found in a preserved area of Seasonal Semideciduous Forest, being the first record for a Cerrado phytophysiognomy area. It's concluded that the new occurrence of Lacadonia brasiliana for the State of Ceará highlights the importance of floristic surveys in Cerrado forest remnants, and it is possible to observe the expansion of its territorial distribution, degree of conservation and richness.