Flora of the Usina São José, Igarassu, Pernambuco: Sapindaceae

Abstract

Sapindaceae is predominantly a tropical family with about 1,900 species worldwide. In Brazil, there are 418 species recorded so far, whose main centers of diversity are the Amazon and Atlantic Forests. The Usina São José, located north of the state of Pernambuco, is basically formed by semideciduous forest fragments. It was recorded seven genera and 14 species of Sapindaceae, Cupania is the richest one with 4 species, followed by Paullina with three species, Serjania and Talisia both with two species and Allophylus, Cardiospermum and Matayba all with one species each. This taxonomic treatment provides identification key, descriptions, illustrations and ecological and taxonomic comment of the species.

Key words: floristic; taxonomy; Atlantic Forest