ABSTRACT
The taxonomic study of the genus Meriania in the flora of Rio de Janeiro state is presented. An identification key, morphological descriptions, affinities, geographical distribution and illustrations are presented, as well as new synonymous. The eight species occur in altitudinal Atlantic forest: M. claussenii, M. excelsa, M. glabra, M. glazioviana, M. longipes, M. paniculata, M. robusta and Meriania sp., a new species recently collected in the south of the state. Except for M. claussenii, M. glabra and M. paniculata, all of them are endemic of Rio de Janeiro. Characters related to the leaves, indumentums and inflorescences have shown as diagnostics for the recognition of the species.
Key words:
endemism; flora; Atlantic forest; new synonymous; taxonomy