Flora of Ceará, Brazil: Lythraceae

Abstract

This study aimed to carry out a floristic-taxonomic survey of the Lythraceae representatives, as part of the project “Flora do Ceará: knowing to conserve”. The data were obtained via the morphologicals analysis of samples collected in the field, and collections in herbaria as well as in specialized bibliographies. In the state of Ceará, Lythraceae is represented by 15 species belonging to four genera: Ammannia (2); Cuphea (9), Lafoensia (3) and Pleurophora (1). The species were recorded in different phytophysiognomies, but they occur preferentially in the Steppic Savanna (Caatinga and/or Carrasco), in the Dense Ombrophilous Forest (Wet Forest) and in the Vegetation Complex of the Coastal Zone (Dunes and Lowland Semideciduous Forests). The taxon with the highest number of records was Cuphea campestris, which ocurrs in 26 municipalities. Eight species were recorded in ten conservation units in Ceará. Four species are endemic to the northeastern region: Cuphea campestris, C. laricoides, C. loefgrenii and Lafoensia glyptocarpa. Lafoensia glyptocarpa and L. pacari are new records for Ceará. The identification key, morphological descriptions, comments on distribution, ecology, phenology, uses, maps, and species illustrations are presented.