The Subfamily Papilionoideae (Leguminosae) in the Engenheiro Ávidos Ecological Park, Paraíba, Brazil

ABSTRACT

A taxonomic study of the subfamily Papilionoideae (Leguminosae) in the Engenheiro Ávidos Ecological Park is presented, aiming to contribute to the knowledge of the diversity of the group in Caatinga remnants in Paraíba. Field expeditions were carried out, analysis of specimens collected in the area and complemented by materials deposited in herbaria. As a result, Papilionoideae is represented in the area by 19 species and 12 genera, being Centrosema (DC.) Benth. and Indigofera L. the most representative, with three species each. Indigofera guaranitica Hassl. and Luetzelburgia auriculata (Allemão) Ducke are endemic to the Brazilian flora, while Andira inermis (W.Wright) DC. and Indigofera guaranitica are new records for the flora of Paraíba. Characters such as habit, indument, number and shape of leaflets, type of inflorescence, corolla color, type and morphology of fruits, were important for identifying and differentiating the recorded taxa. An identification key, morphological descriptions, distribution comments, taxonomic notes and photographic plates of the species occurring in the area are presented.

Keywords:
caatinga; Fabaceae; flora of Paraíba; taxonomy