Phytogeographic Domains Research Articles

Checklist of bee species (Hymenoptera: Apoidea: Anthophila) in the urban areas of Cerrado in Barreiras, Bahia, Brazil

In a global context, few studies have investigated the effects of urbanization on apifauna, as well as the importance of green areas in urban centers for the conservation of local bee fauna. In Brazil, this line of research is still quite recent, with most studies carried out in regions with a predominance of the Atlantic Rainforest phytogeographic domain. For the Brazilian state of Bahia, such research is still scarce and, especially, if we consider the large territorial dimension that this state denotes. In the area that covers the Cerrado, few studies have been carried out that inventory the urban apifauna. In this paper we present a list of bee species recorded in urban areas of the city of Barreiras, Bahia, Brazil, which represent the first apifauna inventory in the Western region of Bahia. Specimens were collected fortnightly from November 2019 to April 2020, using two sampling methods: colored water traps (ARCAs/pantraps) and entomological net, in two remnants of vegetation used as sampling points. A total of 749 specimens were sampled, distributed in four families, 18 tribes, 29 genera, and 45 species. A total of 369 (49.3%) specimens were collected using the entomological net and 380 specimens (50.7%) by using the ARCAs. Our results showed that the area with the highest level of urbanization had bioindicator species of degraded environments, which benefit from urbanization, and despite the urban growth, the fragments found in the matrix can serve as a refuge for bee fauna, as long as they are well planned.

Seedling physiological responses from Ceiba glaziovii (Kutze) K. Skum. to intermittent drought events

The Brazilian Dry Tropical Forest, called Caatinga, has several environmental conditions limiting plant growth and development, requiring the plants that inhabit this phytogeographic domain, physiological and morphological traits to guarantee the perpetuation and survival of the species. The objective of the present work was to evaluate the growth parameters in Ceiba glaziovii, a tree species that occurs in the Caatinga, submitted to intermittent drought. For such seedling of C. glaziovii were subjected to different cycles of irrigation suspension [Control- daily irrigation, S7- irrigation every seven days and SS - total suspension of irrigation until signs of wilt appear]. Height, number of leaves, stem diameter, dry matter of the various organs, root / shoot ratio, leaf area, and the index of plasticity were evaluated. The prolongation of intermittent drought had a significant reducing effect on the growth rates, dry matter production and leaf area of stressed C. glaziovii seedlings compared to daily watering ones. Plant height and stem diameter were the most plastic traits found (IP>0,8). Thus, watering intervals above seven days may severely compromise the production of C. glaziovii seedlings, affecting the growth rates until the accumulation of dry matter. These results demonstrate that this species does not show great tolerance to drought stress during the initial period of its development, suggesting for cultivation of seedlings an adequate water availability or an interval of up to seven days between watering.

Notes in Brazilian Vernonieae (Asteraceae): two new combinations and a range expansion

Two new combinations in Brazilian Vernonieae are proposed: Critoniopsis bradeana and Vernonanthura glanduloso-dentata. Additionally, the name Vernonia glanduloso-dentata Hieronymus is lectotypified and the geographical distribution of Mesanthophora rojasii is expanded to the Caatinga phytogeographic domain. Descriptions and taxonomic comments are provided for each species.

Morphoanatomical and histochemical study of seeds of four species of Swartzia (Fabaceae - Papilionoideae) at Tupé Sustainable Development Reserve AM/Brazil

Background: In Brazil, Swartzia Schreb. occurs in almost all phytogeographic domains, but the greatest richness of species is concentrated in the Amazon.
 Question: What are the morphological and anatomical variations of the seeds of species of the Swartzia ?
 Studied species: Swartzia laevicarpa , Swartzia macrocarpa , Swartzia recurva , and Swartzia sericea. 
 Study site and dates: The species were collected in the Sustainable Development Reserve of Tupé - AM Brazil, in 2017 and 2018.
 Methods: Cross-sections of the seed coat were cut, to observe the characteristics of the seed coat in the hilar region and opposite it. Histochemical tests were performed on the
 cross-sections of fresh samples, to verify ergastic substances present in the aril, seed coat and cotyledons.
 Results: The seeds have a smooth and membranous seed coat, partially covered by a spongy aril in Swartzia recurva , filamentous in S . laevicarpa , S . sericea , and S . macrocarpa . Linear hylum, imperceptible micropyle, cryptoradicular embryo, fleshy cotyledons, containing starch, lipids, alkaloids, protein and the rudimentary plumule.
 Conclusions: Morphological characteristics of the seed, such as shape, color, consistency of the aril and size of the hilum, are important diagnostic characters in the recognition of this species in the field, through its respective seeds; in the same way, the information on soil seed bank is expanded. The presence of fleshy cotyledons indicates and adaptation to the type of environment in which these species occurs, while the knowledge of ergastic substances present in the aril, seed coat and cotyledons, contributes to the understanding of their germinative processes.

Establishment of Cryptostegia madagascariensis in the semiarid: what is the role of abiotic factors in germination and initial growth?

Studies on seed germination and seedling development in different environmental conditions help to understand the ability of exotic species to colonize new environments. Cryptostegia madagascariensis is an exotic invasive species in the semiarid Caatinga Phytogeographical Domain, in the northeastern region of Brazil. In this study, was evaluate how the abiotic factors interfere in germination and the impacts of a water deficit in the initial growth of seedlings. During germination, the seeds were exposed to different temperatures (constant and alternating) combined with two light conditions (white and dark light). In germination, we also evaluated the effects of water and saline stress. In initial growth, the seedlings were submitted to four levels of water availability (100%, 70%, 40% and 10% of field capacity). The milder (20 at 30°C) and alternate temperatures studied provided greater germination four days after sowing, independent of light. High temperatures (35°C) are a limiting factor for germination, as well as water and saline stress (>2 MPa). The water deficit reduces the growth of the seedlings, but these showed morphological adaptations to the different treatments. However, lower levels of water reduced its invading potential. Therefore, factors such as high temperature (> 30° C), saline and water stress, reduce its germination potential and the reduction of water availability affects its growth, but not its survival.

Niche-based processes structure tropical bryophyte assemblages in phytogeographic domains of Brazil

In forest enclaves known as Brejos de Altitude (forest refuges) in northeastern Brazil, floristic affinities are generally explained by historical processes of vicariance. However, for poikilohydric plants with long distance dispersal such as bryophytes, the present work predicts that floristic similarities result from environmental affinities between areas. The floristic relationships of forest refuges with different phytogeographic domains of Brazil were investigated based on the current distribution of bryophytes, and the processes that explain the distribution of species were discussed. A floristic database of 863 bryophyte species from 108 areas, including geoclimatic data, was used in the analysis. The floristic similarity between areas and their relationships with environmental and spatial variables were analyzed. The species composition was found to be distinct between biomes and phytogeographic domains. The floristic difference between the domains was mainly explained by turnover of species. Variables associated with water availability, i.e. aridity and water vapor pressure, drive the bryophyte assembly, leading to the conclusion that niche-based processes explain the distribution of bryophyte species in Brazilian biological refuges and tropical forests.

A synopsis of Byttnerieae (Malvaceae, Byttnerioideae) from the Atlantic Forest, with notes on geographical distribution, nomenclature, and conservation

This synopsis presents diagnostic characters and comments on morphological variability, distribution, and conservation of species of Byttnerieae (Malvaceae, Byttnerioideae) from the Atlantic Forest. Byttnerieae is represented by species from two allied genera in this phytogeographic domain: Ayenia L. and Byttneria Loefl. An extensive literature survey along with herbarium collection analyses revealed the occurrence of 20 species in the Atlantic Forest, nine of which are endemic to Brazil. Seven species are restricted to the Southern portion of the Atlantic Forest, i.e., occurring from southern São Paulo state to the state of Santa Catarina, with most records being in Brazil, but some species also occur in Argentina and Paraguay. Beyond the Southern portion of the Atlantic Forest, three species are restricted either to the state of Rio de Janeiro or to Bahia, in Brazil. An identification key focusing on vegetative characters, as well as illustrations and notes on species distribution and conservation, are presented. Nomenclatural comments or updates for some taxa were provided, including: the designation of lectotypes for six names; the amendment of authorship of one name (B. gracilipes); and reassessment of the distribution of A. glabrescens, an endemic species of dry deciduous forests of Bahia whose precise location was unknown.

<p><strong>Synopsis of Leguminosae from Iguaçu National Park, Paraná, Brazil</strong></p>

The Leguminosae family is one of the most representative in Brazil, with more than 2,800 native species in 222 genera. It is also one of the most representative families in all Brazilian phytogeographic domains, especially in the Atlantic Forest, where the Iguaçu National Park (ParNa Iguaçu) is located. The present study aimed to produce a synopsis of the Leguminosae species, and compare their distribution in three different areas of the park. ParNa has a total area of about 185,000 hectares, its vegetation is predominantly Semideciduous Forest (SF), in the areas of Foz do Iguaçu and Capanema, and a transition from this with Araucaria Forest (AF), in the area of Céu Azul. Fortnightly expeditions were carried out along the main trails of ParNa, from April 2018 to May 2019, there were also surveys in the platforms SpeciesLink, Jabot and the Reflora Virtual Herbarium, in addition to visits to the herbaria EVB, HCF, MBM, PUC-PR and UPCB. Sixty-three native species of Leguminosae distributed in 40 genera were found. The most representative genera were Senegalia with eight species, followed by Machaerium, Mimosa and Desmodium with four species each. Of these species, 24 are new records for ParNa, five were found only in the AF area, 51 only in SF and eight are found in both these vegetational types. Two species are endemic to Paraná, Mimosa prionopus and Senegalia rafinesqueana, and two are threatened, Apuleia leiocarpa and Gleditsia amorphoides. An identification key, scientific illustrations and/or photographs with diagnostic characters of the taxa and comments on the geographical distribution are presented.

The importance of sampling methods and landscape variation on explaining small mammal communities in a Neotropical ecotone region

Understanding the main patterns that affect biodiversity in local and biogeographic scale is central in ecological and conservation studies. Here, we investigated the trappability of small mammals by different methodologies in a fragmented landscape on Atlantic Forest-Cerrado ecotone, and compared the estimated richness and composition of this study community with small mammals surveyed in central Brazil phytogeographic domains. We compared the number of captures between trap type, trap position and the interaction between these variables using a generalized linear mixed model, and compare our findings with those from published data in a radius of 1000 km, using rarefaction and extrapolation methods. Pitfall traps were essential in capturing Monodelphis kunsi, Calomys tener and Oligoryzomys fornesi, whereas wire-cage traps were more efficient on capturing Didelphis albiventris. Calomys expulsus and D. albiventris were significantly more captured in traps on the ground, and Gracilinanus agilis, Marmosa murina, Oecomys bicolor, O. catherinae and Rhipidomys macrurus had more captures in traps on understory. The use of different trap types, mainly pitfall traps, as sampling the vertical strata of habitat, is a good strategy for achieving the completeness sampling of small mammals in the Neotropics. The relative lower small mammal richness in Atlantic Forest-Cerrado ecotone compared to other domains could be explained by the historical higher habitat loss reported for this ecotone zone; thus, we highlight the need of conservation efforts for the preservation of small mammals and else biota that inhabit such type of environment.

Novelties in Lepidaploinae (Asteraceae, Vernonieae) from the easternmost campos rupestres of Minas Gerais, Brazil: two new species and a range expansion

Background – Recent collection efforts in Serra do Padre Ângelo, Pico da Aliança, and Sete Salões State Park, all located in the state of Minas Gerais, have uncovered many botanical and zoological novelties. The region is an outlying campos rupestres area inserted in the Atlantic Forest phytogeographic domain, with its flora mostly related to that of the core campos rupestres area in the Espinhaço Range. Three species of Asteraceae, one of the most representative families in the campos rupestres, have been recently described for the area. Here we report two new species from the genera Lepidaploa and Lessingianthus and one range extension in Lessingianthus, both from subtribe Lepidaploinae.Methods – This study was based on specimens from the herbaria HUFU, MBML, SPF, UFP, and on field observations. Morphological observations and measures were taken following standard practices. Preliminary conservation assessments are based on field observations and spatial analyses (i.e. extent of occurrence, area of occupancy), following IUCN guidelines and criteria.Results – Two new species are described: Lepidaploa campirupestris, related to Lepidaploa aurea, differing from the latter by leaf indumentum, pedunculate heads, and number of florets; and Lessingianthus petraeus, related to Lessingianthus adenophyllus, but differing by leaf position and leaf blade morphology. We also report a range extension for Lessingianthus squamosus, previously known only for the state of Espírito Santo, ca 200 km away. Our results shed light on the interesting biogeography of the region, which mostly contains components of other campos rupestres areas intermixed with typical inselberg vegetation. It also highlights the importance of compiling floristic inventories in poorly collected localities and the need for conservation strategies for this biodiverse region.

First records of Buff-fronted Owl, Aegolius harrisii (Cassin, 1849) (Aves, Strigiformes), from the state of Maranhão, northeastern Brazil, and the northernmost record for the Cerrado domain

We present the first record of Aegolius harrisii (Cassin, 1849) from the state of Maranhão, extending the known distribution of the species 283 km to the west in the Brazilian Northeast. This record also represents the northernmost locality of the species within the Cerrado phytogeographic domain, which coincides with the ecotone between the Cerrado, Caatinga, and Amazon domains. Given the considerable gaps in the data on the occurrence of this owl in the Brazilian Northeast, we would recommend more surveys in specific areas with similar phytophysiognomies.

Seasonal trend of climate variables in an area of the Caatinga phytogeographic domain

Wide variability in the rainfall regime and drought is characteristic of semi-arid regions. A better understanding of this variability can aid decision-making in the short, medium and long term. The aim of this study was to identify long-term patterns and trends in rainfall and temperature through the use of temporal patterns, in addition to assessing the duration of wet and dry periods. Daily historical series of rainfall and temperature for the district of Iguatu, Ceará were used. For rainfall, the annual and monthly climate normal (1974-2018) was calculated, in addition to the number of consecutive dry days (CDD) during the rainy season. The annual mean value for the maximum, mean, and minimum temperatures (1996-2017) was also calculated. Wide interannual variability in the rainfall was found, with very wet years (1985; 2009 and 2011) and very dry years (1979; 1983 and 1993) interspersed with periods of around average rainfall. When analysing the total occurrence of dry spells by class, it was found that events of from 5 to 10 days were the most frequent, and tended to reduce in number over the period under investigation. There was also an increase in the number of longer events, those over 16 days. Maximum annual temperatures show an increasing trend over the years, with minimum temperatures showing the smallest increases. It was concluded that extreme rainfall events are common, and alternate between rainy years and years of drought. The increase in maximum temperature and the reduction in rainfall express the extreme climate variability that may be a consequence of climate change.

Cecidomyiidae (Diptera, Insecta): richness of species and distribution in Brazil

Abstract: Most Neotropical species of Cecidomyiidae (Diptera) have been described from Brazil, but a list of species with occurrence in the country has never been published. Little is known about their distribution and richness in the Brazilian phytogeographic domains. Additionally, a list of host plant species has never been gathered. The present study aims to fill these knowledge gaps and provides an overview of this family in Brazil. For this, data were obtained mainly from the literature, but also from the Cecidomyiidae collection of Museu Nacional and two herbaria (RB and R). Based on the site "Flora do Brasil 2020", botanical names were updated and plant species origin and distribution were verified. A total of 265 gall midge species have been recorded in Brazil, most from the Atlantic Forest (183), followed by Cerrado (60), and Amazon Forest (29). The other phytogeographic domains shelter from five to ten species. Phytophagous gall midges occur on 128 plant species of 52 families, almost all native, being 43 endemic to Brazil (21 endemic to Atlantic Forest, five to Cerrado, and one to Amazon). Although, the taxonomical knowledge is focused on the Atlantic Forest, each domain has its own fauna composition and these informations can be useful for environmental conservational purposes. About 58% of the Brazilian fauna are known only from the type-locality. In order to fill these gaps, it is necessary and important to collect in uninvestigated areas.

Porotrichum squarrosum (Arzeni) H.A. Crum & Steere a new record to Brazil

ABSTRACT Porotrichum squarrosum has never been reported from Brazil and it is a new record. While revising herbarium specimens we found a specimen named Pireella squarrosa (currently Porotrichum), identified by Massimo Mastracci. We have compared this specimen with records from literature and several hundreds of specimens and found that among specimens previously determined as P. substriatum several belong to P. squarrosum. These taxa are a quite common in Brazil ranging from Amazon, Atlantic Forest to Cerrado phytogeographical domains at elevations from near sea level to about 600 m. These taxa are fast differentiated by the squarrose leaves, spur costa at back and absence of stem central strand in P. squarrosum against to complanate leaves, without spurowed costa at back and presence of central strand in P. substriatum.

Yeasts in native fruits from Brazilian neotropical savannah: occurrence, diversity and enzymatic potential

Abstract: Cerrado is the second largest phytogeographic domain in Brazil, with a huge ethnobotany variety, including fruit species that stand out for their economic, industrial, biotechnological and medicinal potential. The objective of this study was to characterize the diversity of culturable yeasts and their potential for the production of hydrolytic enzymes in fruits of 13 species of native plants of the Cerrado in Brazil. Sequencing the 26S rRNA gene identified the isolates. The enzymatic potential was evaluated using specific substrates for the enzymes amylases, cellulases, proteases, and pectinases. Nine of the 13 fruit species analyzed showed yeast growth, totaling 82 isolates, identified in 26 species. The phylum Ascomycota predominated over Basidiomycota. The fruits of Butia capitata presented the highest species richness. Candida and Meyerozyma were the most frequent genera. About 57% of the isolates were able to produce at least one of the enzymes analyzed. The species Papiliotrema flavescens, Hanseniaspora meyeri, Meyerozyma guilliermondii, and Rhodotorula mucilaginosa produced all the enzymes tested. The results were found to expand the knowledge about the yeast communities present in fruits of the Cerrado native plants, evidencing the presence of species shared among the plants, and their potential for biotechnological use in the future.

Pleurocarpous and cladocarpous mosses (Bryophyta) of Parque Nacional da Chapada das Mesas, with newly recorded species from Maranhão and the northeast region of Brazil

Located in southwestern Maranhão, the Parque Nacional da Chapada das Mesas (PNCM), with an extent of about 160,046 ha, is completely inserted in the Cerrado phytogeographic domain. The topography is characterized by a plateau formation consisting of steep hills and medium-altitude mountains with flat tops, which give the PNCM its name. We present an annotated checklist of the mosses that occur in the PNCM. Our checklist includes 26 species of pleurocarpous mosses distributed in 10 families and 22 genera and two species of cladocarpous mosses of the family Orthotrichaceae. The most species-rich families of pleurocarpous mosses were Sematophyllaceae (7 spp.), Pylaisiadelphaceae (6 spp.), and Stereophyllaceae (4 spp.). Eleven species are recorded for the first time from Maranhão and three species are recorded for the first time in the northeast region of Brazil. Taxithelium pluripunctatum (Renauld & Cardot) W.R. Buck and Trichosteleum glaziovii (Hampe) W.R. Buck, are recorded for the first time from Maranhão and the Cerrado phytogeographic domain. Our results expand the knowledge of the Brazilian bryoflora and add distribution data for a number of species in Maranhão and the northeast region.

<p><strong>Lentibulariaceae in the Atlantic Forest of Northeastern Brazil</strong></p>

This study comprises the survey and taxonomic treatment of the Lentibulariaceae species occurring in the Atlantic Forest phytogeographic domain of Northeastern Brazil, including the states of Alagoas, Bahia, Ceará, Paraíba, Pernambuco, Rio Grande do Norte and Sergipe. Thirty-one species from the two genera Genlisea (3 species) and Utricularia (28 species) were confirmed, and 13 species were found to be wrongly reported for the study area. Four out of these 31 are new records to Sergipe, one to Bahia, one to Rio Grande do Norte, and one to Paraíba and Rio Grande do Norte; the latter one is also a new record for the Atlantic Forest. Only one species is endemic to the Atlantic Forest (Genlisea lobata) and only one to Northeastern Brazil (Utricularia flaccida), while 18 are widely distributed in the country, occurring in more than two phytogeographic domains. Other species present disjunct distributions that corroborate the already documented Atlantic-Amazonian and Atlantic-Cerrado connections. Here, an identification key, illustrations, photographs, distribution maps, besides taxonomic and phenological comments, are also presented. Moreover, an updated preliminary assessment of their conservation status at global scale, using IUCN Red List criteria, combined with a habitat preference categorization, is given as well.

The tree and shrub flora in savanna riparian forest in Northeastern Brazil: update to Uruçuí-Una Ecological Station, Piauí State, Brazil

Floristic surveys are the basis of phytodiversity knowledge and when carried out in protected areas add value because they can generate incentives for conservation and subsidies for management plans. With the objective to contribute to flora knowledge in Piaui State, Brazil, a floristic study was developed in the riparian forest Uruçuí-Una Ecological Station. This station has a 135.122,29 ha area and is in Baixa Grande do Ribeiro municipality, Piauí, in Northeast of Brazil. The area is in Cerrado’s phytogeographical domain, with riparian forest along the river Uruçuí-Preto, which borders part of its area. The survey was conducted from samples collected of woody vascular plants in an area of approximately 4.5 ha on the left bank of Uruçuí-Preto River. The samples collected were properly herborized, taxonomically identified, and stored in herbaria Graziela Barroso (TEPB) and Delta do Parnaíba (HDELTA). The study resulted in 90 species, 71 genus, and 37 families. Except for Tilesia baccata species, Asteraceae naturalized, all species are native to Brazil, and 21.50% are also endemic in Brazil and 6.45% endemic in Cerrado. Most species, i.e 78.49% were not evaluated for the extinction risk, while 15.05% are classified in the Little Worrying category and only, Bowdichia virgilioides is in the condition of Near Threatened. This study contributes significantly to the scientific literature as it is the second floristic survey presented for this conservation unit since 1984, and the first study carried out in the riparian forest in this protected area of the Brazilian Cerrado.

Distribution patterns of Passiflora L. (Passifloraceae s.s.) in the Serra da Mantiqueira, Southeast Brazil

Passiflora L. is the most representative genus of Passifloraceae. In Brazil, its species are widely distributed through phytogeographic domains and altitudinal gradients, including the Atlantic montane forests of the Southeast region. In these forest remnants, expressive species richness has been found. The aim of this work was to evaluate the distribution patterns and status conservation of Passiflora species in Serra da Mantiqueira (SM), a mountain range located in southeastern Brazil that stands out for its high biological diversity. We obtained data on species distribution through collections in the field, herbaria collections and compiled online databases, which were plotted on shapefile overlay maps. Species richness, collection effort and similarity among grid squares were analyzed for the taxa recorded. To evaluate distribution patterns by altitudinal gradient, we employed a similarity analysis by altitude class and a test of significance. Considering the states that encompass the SM, Minas Gerais showed the highest Passiflora richness. On the other hand, grid square 13, located in the mountainous region of Espirito Santo state, concentrated the greatest species richness. Similarity analysis between grid squares pointed to the Septentrional area of SM having the most diverse floristic composition. We observed the highest richness and occurrence record between 500 and 1500 m. A gradual change in species composition occurred along the altitudinal gradients, with decline in richness from 1000 m. Around 85% of the species were recorded outside protected areas, reinforcing the need for actions for their conservation through the expansion or creation of conservation units.

Aportaciones a la brioflora neotropical de la Argentina: Hepáticas foliosas (Jungermanniidae, Marchantiophyta)

Se presenta un catálogo de 25 especies de hepáticas foliosas pertenecientes a 9 familias: Adelanthaceae, Balantiopsidaceae, Calypogeiaceae, Frullaniaceae, Herbertaceae, Lejeuneaceae, Lophocoleaceae, Porellaceae y Radulaceae, recolectadas en bosques neotropicales húmedos-hiperhúmedos del NE y NO de la Argentina. Once taxones son exclusivos del Dominio Amazónico de la Región Neotropical; 5 presentan una distribución Neotropical en los Dominios Amazónico y Chaqueño; Isotachis serrulata, Triandrophyllum subtrifidum var. trifidum, Heteroscyphus integrifolius y Radula voluta tienen una distribución disyunta Neotropical (Dominio Amazónico)-Antártica. Por último, para Frullania ericoides, Frullania glomerata, Lophocolea leptantha, Leptoscyphus expansus y Syzygiella sonderi, se amplía su área de distribución a los tres dominios fitogeográficos en la Argentina: Amazónico y Chaqueño de la Región Neotropical y Subantártico, de la Región Antártica. Se indica la preferencia de hábitat, distribución en Argentina por provincias administrativas y distribución fitogeográfica de cada taxón, así como mapas de distribución de algunas especies. Se aportan seis nuevas citas provinciales para Jujuy, tres para Salta y siete para Tucumán