Chrysobalanaceae in the East part of the Brazilian Northeastern

Abstract

This study provides descriptions, identification keys, distribution maps, illustrations, and comments about the Chrysobalanaceae species occurring in the East part of the Brazilian Northeastern, which includes the states of Alagoas, Ceará, Paraíba, Pernambuco, and Rio Grande do Norte. Twenty-six species in eight genera were found: Hirtella (eight spp.), Couepia (six spp.), Leptobalanus and Parinari (both with three spp.), Licania and Moquilea (both with two species), and Chrysobalanus and Microdesmia (both with one specie). Hirtella sprucei and Moquilea silvatica are new records for the area and although most species are widely distributed, Couepia impressa, C. pernambucensis, C. rufa, Parinari littoralis, Hirtella sprucei, H. insignis and H. santosii are restricted to the Atlantic Forest, the latter two being considered as Endangered.

Key words:
Caatinga; Couepia; Hirtella; Licania; Atlantic Forest