Abstract
Myristicaceae includes about 20 genera and 500 species and in Brazil there are five genera and 64 species, 59 in the Amazon. Virola is the genus most widely distributed in Brazil. In Rio de Janeiro, the only two species found are Virola bicuhyba and V. gardneri. These two species are seen on the south coast and north-central part of the state. Key, descriptions, taxonomic comments, information on phenology, geographic distribution, habitats, conservation status and illustrations are presented.
Key words:
Virola; Atlantic Forest; basal angiosperms