Abstract
The results of a survey of Sphagnum used by the Descoberto and Empanturrado rural communities (Guaratuba municipality and Guaratuba Environmental Protected Area - EPA) are presented. The analysis was based on fresh material collected in different harvesting areas. Five species were recorded: S. capillifolium (Ehrh.) Hedw., S. cuspidatum Ehrh. ex Hoffm., S. erythrocalyx Hampe, S. perichaetiale Hampe and S. recurvum P. Beauv.. All of them are native species that grow spontaneously in that region and are intensively harvested by the local community. A key is presented to differentiate the species, and the botanical description, common names, geographic distribution and illustrations for each species are included.
Highlights
Sphagnum L. species are globally important due to their great capacity for peat formation, which cover approximately 3% of the Earth’s surface (CHARMAN, 2002)
The growing harvesting demand, lack of knowledge of the available moss biodiversity and its natural replacement dynamic, are important factors that can severely affect the future availability of this resource, as reported by Ticktin (2004) for similar non-wood forest products
The floristic survey covered all harvesting areas used by local harvesters
Summary
Sphagnum L. species are globally important due to their great capacity for peat formation (type of soil formed by the deposition and decomposition of Sphagnum-type gametophyte with high concentrations of carbon and acidity), which cover approximately 3% of the Earth’s surface (CHARMAN, 2002). To the ‘mallines’ or ‘pomponales’ found in Chile and designated as anthropogenic bogs (DÍAZ et al, 2007, 2008; VALENZUELA-ROJAS; SCHLATTER, 2004), in these places there is no peat accumulation They correspond to recent wetlands, formed by clear-cutting of pine plantations in poor drainage places where the Sphagnun species grow due to their higher capacity to tolerate flood conditions (Figure 1). The growing harvesting demand, lack of knowledge of the available moss biodiversity and its natural replacement dynamic, are important factors that can severely affect the future availability of this resource, as reported by Ticktin (2004) for similar non-wood forest products In this context, aiming to provide bases for the establishment of sustainable management plans of this resource, the results are presented of a floristic survey of Sphagnum species used by the rural communities of Guaratuba Municipality at the coastal area of Paraná State, southern Brazil
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