Aquifoliaceae in the Paraná State, Brazil

ABSTRACT

The Aquifoliaceae family has notable structural and floristic importance in the forests of Paraná state. Ilex is its only genus and possesses several taxa with large morphological range, which complicates the species identification. The main aim of the present study was to recognize the species and varieties of Aquifoliaceae in the state of Paraná, in addition to perform an identification key, descriptions, illustrations, information on geographic distribution, and phenophases. Were analyzed collections from 30national and international herbaria. Our results show that the genus Ilex is represented by 12 species and two varieties in Paraná. The Dense Ombrophylous Forest and the Araucaria Forest exhibit the highest frequency of records and highest number of species. The morphology of the leaves and inflorescences is a major character for taxa identification. It is proposed a status novus for Ilex theezans var. gracilior (Warmg.) Loes.

Keywords:
Atlantic Rainforest; Cerrado; erva mate; Flora of Paraná; Taxonomy