Leguminosae is one of the richest families in the restingas (sandy coastal plains) of Espirito Santo and Caesalpinioideae is the second largest subfamily. The "Parque Estadual Paulo César Vinha" (PEPCV) is one of the best preserved remnants of restinga in the state and one of the best studied protected areas, but taxonomic studies are still scarce. This study is a taxonomic-floristic survey of the Caesalpinioideae of PEPCV. Collections of fertile material were carried out every two weeks, between August 2008 and June 2009. Caesalpinioideae is represented by 13 taxa grouped into three genera: Chamaecrista, Hymenaea and Senna. Chamaecrista was the most representative genus, with the largest number of species. Three taxa were recorded for the first time in the state of Espirito Santo. This study presents a key to identification of taxa, descriptions, illustrations, comments on morphology and phenology, as well as their geographic distribution.
Espírito Santo; flora; Leguminosae; sandy coastal plains; taxonomy
