Located in Minas Gerais (21°58'24"S e 43°53'15"W), between Ibitipoca and Itatiaia ranges, Serra Negra covers an area considered priority for conservation and scientific research at Serra da Mantiqueira. Continuing the studies at the area aiming to increase floristic knowledge of the region, the taxonomic treatment of Piperaceae was held. Thirty four species of the family were recorded, most of them in forested formations, including canyons. The taxa are distinguished by habit, presence or absence of trichomes, phyllotaxis, leaf size, form and venation, type of inflorescence, number of stamens and carpels, presence of style, shape of bracteoles and fruits. Piper pauciramosum, endemic to Minas Gerais and only known from type material was collected and needs a re-evaluation of its conservation status, as well as 10 other species considered to be rare. The occurrence of these taxa and others species with restricted distribution highlights the importance of this region and points out the great need of new conservation units at the area.
Floristic; Peperomia; Piper; Serra Negra
