ABSTRACT
The subject of this paper is the Piperaceae species which occur in the state of Ceará, Brazil, with special attention paid to their taxonomy, as well as the medicinal value. The taxonomic treatment used in this study were the following in the examination of dissected dried herbarium specimens including types, descriptions, keys for identification oftaxa and geographical distribution. Commentary on the use and ambiental data are presented for some taxa. The State of Ceará denote in the material examined 4 genera, differentiated by habitat and arrangement of inflorescence, in 35taxa which are distinguishable by their patterns of foliar nervation, floral bracteoles and fruits. The individuals thesetaxa occur in the humid regions of the mountains of Baturité, Maranguape, Aratanha and Machado; where the majority of them are widely distributed, whereas Piper rufipilum Yunck. is only found in Chapada do Araripe and Ottonia leptostachia Kunth is found in yet another area.
Key-words:
Piperaceae; Taxonomy; Flora; Ceará; Medicinal