Aiming to contribute to a better knowledge of the richness of grasses occurring in Pernambuco, a study of the genus Chloris Sw in the state was performed. Field work was conduced in that state and herbarium surveys were made. Seven species of the genus Chloris were recorded: C. barbata Sw., C. elata Desv., C. exilis Renv., C. gayana Kunth, C. orthonoton Döll, C. pycnothrix Trin. and C. virgata Sw. The genus present a wide distribution in all phytogeographical zones in Pernambuco. Chloris gayana, C. barbata and C. pycnothrix have been recorded in the literature as potential forage plants.
Caatinga; Chloridoideae; floristic survey; Northeastern Brazil; grasses; taxonomy
