Pteridaceae in remnants of Cerrado in Maranhão state, Brazil

Abstract

Abstract. The Pteridaceae is one of the most diverse families of ferns, with representatives adapted to diverse habitats ranging from aquatic to dry environments. It is the most species-rich family of ferns in the Brazilian Cerrado, although it is still poorly known in some areas of this domain in Maranhão state. Our objective was to investigate the diversity of Pteridaceae in Cerrado remnants in Maranhão. We based our study on the morphological analyses of specimens deposited in the herbaria, as well as additional new collections made by us and collaborators. Five genera comprising 15 species were recorded. Illustrations, an identification key, taxonomic comments, habitat, and geographic distribution are provided.

Ferns and Lycophytes from the Estação Ecológica Serra Geral do Tocantins: a contribution to the flora of the Jalapão, Brazil

“…The occurrence of these genera in habitats generally less favorable to ferns can be facilitated by apogamy (Hietz 2010;Moran 2012). Other studies report the occurrence of these genera in similar environments elsewhere (Santos- Silva et al 2023;Castro-Aguiar et al 2022;Fernandes et al 2014;Lehn et al 2020;Mickel 2016;Ponce & Scataglini 2021;Xavier et al 2012).…”