Flora of Espírito Santo: Monimiaceae

Abstract

Monimiaceae, a basal angiosperm family, comprises 28 genera and approximately 220 species that inhabits predominantly rainforests. In Brazil, it is represented by five genera and about 43 species. The Atlantic forest is considered one of the centers of diversity of this family. In this biome occurs the five genera represented in Brazil, as well as most of the species, many of them endemic to this biome. The present study aims to characterize the species of Monimiaceae that occur in the state of Espírito Santo. The study resulted in the identification and morphological characterization of 21 taxa belonging to three genera: Macrotorus and Macropeplus, both with one species, and Mollinedia, with 19 species. Macropeplus is reported for first time to the state of Espírito Santo, as well as Mollinedia puberula. A key to identification, morphological descriptions, geographic distribution and comments are provided.

Key words:
Laurales; Macropelus; Macrotorus; Atlantic Forest; Mollinedia