Cactus survey at the Floresta Nacional of Contendas do Sincorá, Bahia, Brazil

Abstract

The Brazilian state of Bahia is home to 98 out of 260 species of the country's native Cactaceae. The Floresta Nacional Contendas do Sincora (FLONA Sincora), in the Municipio de Contendas do Sincora has vegetation, climate and temperatures typical of the Caatinga biome. The survey intended to increase the knowledge regarding the cacti of protected areas within the state of Bahia and was based on fieldwork carried out in April and July 2014 and February 2015, complemented by studies of herbarium material. The FLONA Sincora harbours 11 genera and 14 species within its area: Arrojadoa penicillata (Gurke) Britton & Rose; Brasilicereus phaeacanthus (Gurke) Backeb; Brasiliopuntia brasiliensis (Willd.) A. Berger; Cereus jamacaru DC.; Espostoopsis dybowskii (Rol.-Goss.) Buxb; Hylocereus setaceus (Salm-Dyck) R. Bauer; Melocactus concinnus Buining & Brederoo; Pereskia aureiflora F. Ritter; Pereskia bahiensis Gurke; Pilosocereus catingicola (Gurke) Byles & G.D. Rowley ssp catingicola; Stephanocereus leucostele (Gurke) A. Berger; Tacinga inamoena (K. Schum.) N.P. Taylor & Stuppy; Tacinga funalis Britton & Rose; and Tacinga palmadora (Britton & Rose) N.P. Taylor & Stuppy. Of these, Espostoopsis dybowskii, Pereskia bahiensis and Stephanocereus leucostele are endemic to Bahia. The east Brazilian genus Tacinga was the largest, with three species. An identification key for all taxa, together with descriptions, illustrations, taxonomic and conservation and threat statements are presented.