ABSTRACT
Leguminosae, with about 727 genera and 19,325 species distributed worldwide, is one of the main families in the composition of tree flora of dry environments. The Cabo Frio region holds the main core of dry forests in Rio de Janeiro state. Because of high diversity and endemism, it is one of six Centers of Plant Diversity indicated for the Atlantic Forest. In order to know the diversity of tree Leguminosae of the Cabo Frio Center of Plant Diversity (CDVCF) and their patterns of geographic distribution, 81 taxa were recorded and six distribution patterns were recognized. Based on endemics and composition analyses of several areas of the CDVCF, it was possible to indicate the forest remnants on Tabuleiro in the vicinity of Gorda Beach and on the low hills of Araruama, Iguaba, Saquarema and São Pedro da Aldeia as priorities for conservation.
Key words:
Fabaceae; Leguminosae; trees; rain forest; diversity and spatial distribution